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Aleck Hormby 


BY 

Charles 


/ 

Stell 


NEW YORK 

E. R. HERRICK & COMPANY 

70 Fifth Avenue 


Copyright, 1898, 

By E. R. HERRICK k CO., 
New York. 



2nd COPY, 
1898 . 



ALECK HORMBY 


CHAPTER I. 

On the northern coast of Maine, in the year of 
1861, there stood a small village named Darnley. 
It was situated on the top of tall cliffs, against 
which the waves of the ocean, when the tide was 
at its full, dashed with their greatest force. 

The inhabitants of the village gained their liv- 
ing chiefly by fishing and renting their rooms dur- 
ing the season to summer boarders. 

It was only a small place, the log cabins of most 
of the inhabitants being built after the style of the 
old Puritans, with here and there a brick mansion 
belonging to some wealthier inhabitant. But in 
some cases the fishermen lived in dwellings made 
from old vessels which had from time to time been 
wrecked upon the shore, and then afterwards 
dragged with considerable labor to the top of the 
cliffs, where they had then been inverted and cov- 
ered with shingles to protect them from the storms 
of winter. 

The houses were built on the cresfent of the 


4 


ALECK HORMBY. 


small bay, without any regard to regularity, and 
in such position as were thought most favorable. 
A steep road had been cut down the cliffs to the 
sea-shore, by which the inhabitants and visitors 
ascended or descended to the beach. 

Spread out upon the beach are the numerous 
nets of the fishermen, drying in the sun ; with their 
corks and sinkers attached, being held down by 
large stones. 

Around are lying pieces of timber that have 
been washed into the bay ; while parts of old casks, 
boxes, and fragments of vessels show the loss of 
some ill-fated ship that has been driven on this 
perilous shore. 

Most of the houses had gardens attached to 
them, in which the owners produced their yearly 
stock of vegetables; while in front of many of them 
were flower-beds, which showed the taste and 
good management bestowed upon them by their 
proprietors. 

Down on the beach were some few rowing and 
sailing boats, which were rented out by the day 
or hour to visitors ; also about a dozen or so bath- 
ing machines, while close up to the cliffs were 
numerous boys and men who made a living by 
charging so much per hour for the use of the 
donkeys or ponies they owned. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


5 


Frequently during the summer months you 
might see large numbers of the city youths, of 
both sexes, enjoying themselves, laughing, 
screaming and shouting, on the backs of these 
patient but stubborn beasts; while sometimes 
seated on the same animals you might observe 
some of the older ones who preferred riding to 
walking to the top of the cliffs from the beach. 

In one of the prettiest of these cottages at the 
time we are writing of there resided a man by the 
name of Ned Hormby and his young wife Annie. 
She was the daughter of a prosperous grocer in 
the neighborhood, and had been married a little 
over a year to Ned, whose genial ways and manly 
figure had gained her affections. 

Annie Hormby was a little over twenty-three 
years of age; she had a fine figure, which was as 
straight as a dart, dark complexion, brown eyes 
and massy tresses of rich, black hair. A little over 
six weeks before she had become a mother, but 
the little one had been frail, living only a few 
days. 

Up to this time her life had been a joyous one; 
she had a husband whom she loved dearly, then 
an infant boy had been given her, a perfect pic- 
ture of his father; but now he had been taken away 
from them and she left a mourner. 


6 


ALECK HORMBY. 


Ned Hormby was about thirty years of age, 
handsome, tall and powerfully built, and the 
owner of a smart fishing boat, the Mermaid, 
which now rode at anchor in Darnley Bay. 

This vessel was the pride of Ned Hormby’s life, 
and held the next place in his esteem to his wife; 
there was not a swifter craft on the coast of Maine 
than the Mermaid, nor a sweeter or handsomer 
wife than Annie Hormby. 

There were several other boats putting out 
from Darnley, whose owners gained a large part 
of their livelihood by fishing; but the Mermaid 
was the largest and best equipped boat in the 
fleet, as also were his quarters for curing and 
smoking the fish on shore. 

The boats used to leave Darnley quite early in 
the morning, going anywhere from five to twenty- 
five miles from the shore. 

The average catch per boat was from five to 
eight hundred pounds per day; the amount vary- 
ing of course with the fisherman's proverbial luck. 
The men planted their nets wherever the fish could 
be caught, moving them from time to time, as 
they thought best, from one course to another. 
These nets extended between three and four miles 
when in the water, and were allowed to remain 
set about three or four days. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


7 


They were then lifted, the fish taken out and 
then conveyed to shore, .dried and mended. After 
this they were wound upon large reels, which were 
common sights around the village of Darnley. 

When the fish were brought home they were 
either sold to peddlers or smoked, the cured ones 
being shipped to the surrounding towns; Ned 
Hormby consigning some of his goods as far dis- 
tant as Boston, New York and Philadelphia. 

Ned Hormby also employed quite a number of 
persons during the busy part of the fishing season 
in curing and packing the fish and mending the 
nets. 

After the death of their little one Ned had done 
the best he could to console Annie, but she had 
refused to be comforted, deeply grieving the loss 
of her baby boy. 

It was the month of July, the day had been 
hot and oppressive, and the night was very sultry. 

The sun had set, the sea was calm, while an 
unnatural stillness hung around the bay. 

As the night advanced and the darkness deep- 
ened a light shone from the windows of the cot- 
tage of Ned Hormby. 

The cottage was a picture of neatness, consist- 
ing of two bedrooms, a sitting and dining room, 
kitchen and shed. The rooms in the house were 


8 


ALECK HORMBY. 


well furnished for people of their class, with nice 
pictures hanging on the walls, while geraniums 
and other plants in vases decorated the windows. 

The shed was filled with the articles used by 
Ned in plying his vocation with old father Nep- 
tune. Oars and boat hooks, fishing nets, corks 
and sinkers, were spread out or thrown around in 
great confusion. 

In a chair at one of the windows facing the 
ocean, on this sultry night, sat Annie Hormby, 
crying and sobbing as if her heart would break, 
as she thought of her lost one ; while with his arms 
around her, trying to comfort her, at her feet knelt 
her husband. This endeavor instead of relieving 
her troubled condition, only brought forth a fresh 
torrent of tears, as she buried her face upon the 
shoulders of her husband, who wiped the tears 
from her eyes and tenderly kissed her. 

Suddenly the sound of the fog-horn breaks in 
upon them, then, hand in hand, they walk out 
into the garden to view the night. 

This front garden of Ned Hormby’s was one of 
the best places in Darnley for viewing the ocean 
from. 

The night was as black as pitch, with a thick 
fog coming in from the water. 

Scarcely had the two left the house when a 


ALECK HORMBY. 


9 


violent wind storm arose, blowing out the lamp in 
the house, and at the same instant a vivid flash of 
lightning burst through the foggy darkness, a low 
rumbling of thunder followed, while another rush 
of wind swept along the cliffs straight from the 
sea. 

Then all was quiet for a short time, until Ned 
was startled by observing a rocket go up, far out 
at sea. He knew at once that some unfortunate 
vessel had missed her course in the fog, and was 
being driven by the strong current upon their 
remorseless cliffs. 

There was not much time for thought, for soon 
there came a terrific tempest, with terrible flashes 
of lightning, and thunder like heavy artillery, 
which, combined with the roar of the wind and the 
angry downpour of rain, forced them to seek 
shelter in the house. Soon the rain passed over, 
and Ned and Annie Hormby once more went out 
into the night. 

Again they perceived rockets going up from the 
doomed vessel, and Annie asked: “Can we do 
anything to save her, Ned? Shall we light a fire 
upon the cliffs to warn them of their danger?” 

“You come with me into the house,” replied 
Ned, holding her firmly by the waist, “for I am 
afraid the wind will carry you over the cliffs.” 


10 


ALECK HORMBY. 


Entering, Ned hastily selected an empty bar- 
rel, packed it full of shavings, and ran with it to 
the verge of the precipice, while Annie stood at 
the door with some staves of dry wood to renew 
the blaze. In a short time the tempest blew the 
flames to a great height, illuminating all around. 

“They , ll see that,” said Ned. 

He had scarcely uttered the words when 
another rocket went up. At the same time the fog 
passed away, and the moon shone forth revealing 
the ship. 

One of her masts had broken off and lay over 
the side of the vessel knotted in a mass of sails and 
ropes, while the men on board could be distinctly 
seen at work with axes trying to cut it away. Then 
there arose a great cry on board, which could be 
heard above the roar of the wind and water as a 
tremendous wave broke over the wreck carrying 
away men, the mast, casks and boats into the 
raging surf. 

The ship was now a mere toy for the waves. 
Great breakers rolled over her, threatening to 
engulf them, but she always rose in time to pre- 
pare for the following wave. 

As the day began to break the storm increased 
in its violence, and Ned, seeing that they could 


ALECK HORMBY. 


II 


render no further assistance, persuaded Annie to 
try to get some rest. 

But there was a dark gloom in the solitary 
chamber, sleep refused to come to either of them, 
and before long they were up once more and mak- 
ing their way down to the beach. Numbers of 
people were already up, as the news spread, all 
running in one direction facing the wild sea. 

It was now about four o’clock in the morning, 
the storm was still raging fiercely, the ship was 
about half a mile from the shore and dragging her 
anchors. The second mast was still upright, with 
the torn sails and broken ropes cracking like 
whips as the wind beat them to and fro. 

Then one of her anchors parted, leaving the 
ship dependent on a single cable in a storm that 
made her position hopeless. 

As the daylight increased the men on shore, 
with the aid of their glasses, made her out to be a 
large emigrant ship of English build, probably 
destined for New York or Boston. 

She was well manned, and had her captain been 
aware of the small harbor he would have had little 
trouble in beaching his vessel. But there were no 
means of communicating with the vessel, and 
soon the other mast went overboard. 

Then groups of women and children were dis- 


12 


ALECK HORMBY. 


cernible on board, clinging to each other, while 
every angry wave swept some from the deck into 
the seething abyss of waters. 

The men on shore ran about, helpless to aid 
them; while the women clasped their hands and 
prayed, or, shrieking, turned their faces away, 
crying for help where no help could come. 

Quickly the other cable parted, leaving her 
utterly helpless. 

Now the vessel, which had up to this time been 
riding with her stern to the shore, slowly veers 
around, then leaping over the waves, her head 
turning slowly, she sinks into the trough of the 
sea with her side to the full face of the wind. A 
towering wave now swept her decks, which were 
crowded with people ; but in a few seconds nearly 
all had disappeared; only a few of the strongest 
being able to hold on to whatever they had been 
able to grasp. Again another wave struck her, 
and again she righted, but there were still fewer 
persons on her deck; she now drifted helplessly 
on, her rudder broke, nearly turning her over, 
and again she disappeared from view. 

Then some one cried: “They're lowering a 
boat," which was soon filled with women and 
children ; it had scarcely left the side of the vessel 
ere it was swamped. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


13 


Meanwhile the once proud ship rolls heavily 
on towards the northern rocks; sometimes high 
on the waves, then nearly covered by the sea. At 
last a wave caught her with resistless power and 
dashed her high up on the rocks, which gored 
her sides with their rugged, sharp and piercing 
edges. 

“Those rocks will soon finish her,” said Ned 
to Annie Hormby. 

He had been watching, glass in hand, and giv- 
ing details to his wife of all that happened to the 
unfortunate vessel. “I think, Annie, you had 
better go home and try to get some rest, for she'll 
soon go to pieces, and there is not one person 
alive on her now.” 

Annie, however, could not move; she was 
rooted to the spot. 

For a short time the vessel held together, then 
she began to break up; first the entire deck was 
broken off by an angry wave which broke full 
upon her; then another lifted her once more, 
crashing her with immense force higher on the 
rocks, where soon she began to crumble to pieces. 

Now the boiling surf is enriched with her cargo, 
and the fishermen and natives are busy rescuing 
bales, barrels and merchandise of every descrip- 
tion, each making their own pile and keeping it 


14 


ALECK HORMB*Y. 


distinct, so that they will be able to claim their 
share of salvage. 

Not yet had one single living person been 
washed ashore, but scores of dead ones were con- 
tinually coming in, all of whom were carried 
beyond the reach of the angry waves and covered 
with sails or tarpaulin. 

The minister of the village, with his wife and her 
sister, were busy taking a description of each one 
and making an inventory of everything found on 
their persons, to enable them to prove their iden- 
tity if needed. The clothing worn, color of the 
hair, marks upon their linen, anything that might 
lead to subsequent identification. 

Then horses and a wagon having been secured, 
they were slowly and carefully carried up the toil- 
some road and deposited in the little church, 
which was turned into a temporary morgue, while 
the communion table was used for depositing the 
articles on taken from each person. 

Small cards were placed on each lot and marked, 
taken from number one, and so on. Many of 
the corpses were almost nude, showing that the 
unfortunate ones had been rudely awakened 
from their sleep, and had rushed on deck trying 
to escape, only to meet their death outside in place 
of in. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


15 


Not one in fifty were ever claimed; of the steer- 
age passengers not a single one, and very few of 
the others. 

Then came the work of burying the dead; neat 
coffins were made for the reception of the bodies, 
the persons being placed in them in their cloth- 
ing; four were deposited in each grave, with the 
number corresponding to the description taken 
of each one marked on a small wooden cross, 
which was placed on their graves. 


CHAPTER II. 


During the excitement on the beach, when the 
bodies and cargo began to be washed ashore, 
everyone was busy; Ned Hormby and his wife 
amongst the rest. 

Soon Annie cried out, “Oh, Ned, what is that 
over there ?” Then there was a general rush for- 
ward on the part of the men to secure the prize. 

The force of the waves, however, was so great 
that they were beaten down by them and dragged 
into the surf by the undercurrent; only regaining 
the shore by the assistance of the crowd, who, 
with a line, helped them to reach places of safety. 

Only one man had been able to force his way 
through the monstrous waves and reach the float- 
ing object; this was Ned Hormby, who had a 
rope, which he fastened securely to the object 
and then turned to the shore, with the other end 

9 

held firmly in his grasp. Annie’s heart heaved with 
emotion as she beheld the strong form of her hus- 
band successfully contending with the surf, which 
had driven back the others. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


17 


She was the first to rush into the water and help 
her husband to gain a footing on the treacherous 
beach. 

Willing hands were put out to haul on the rope, 
which was quickly drawn in, and then the men 
rushed into the water and dragged the prize on 
shore. Lashed to a spar by a strong rope, with 
her long fair hair floating on the water all cov- 
ered with seaweed, they beheld the dead body of 
a young woman. 

She had evidently been asleep when the crash 
came, for she was in her night clothing, while 
upon her breast wrapped in a shawl, held firmly 
in the grip of death, lay the body of an infant, 
probably two months old. 

There was nothing upon them to indicate who 
they were, save a small locket attached to the neck 
of the child, with the initials A. Me. L. engraved 
thereon. 

Ned hastily cut the ropes and carried the body 
to the place where the dead bodies were being 
deposited; while the village teacher lifted up the 
child. 

“Is the baby dead?” asked Annie, as she drew 
nearer to the men. 

“I am afraid it is,” replied the teacher, as he 


i8 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


handed the little one into the arms of the eager 
Annie. She took away the wet shawl and wraps, 
covered it with her own, and pressed it to her 
breast, while her hands were soon briskly rubbing 
it all over. 

The boy was chilled through, but soon showed 
signs of returning animation. In a short time he 
commenced to cry, and before long, to Annie’s 
great joy, began to smile upon her. She hurried 
off home with her precious burden, dressed it in 
some of the clothing belonging to her own child, 
and pressing it to her breast felt a mother’s hap- 
piness; her own boy had been replaced by this 
little stranger, washed in from the wreck, a cast- 
away. 

The vessel had now completely broken up, and 
for several days the natives of Darnley, visitors 
and others, were busy rescuing the portions of 
her cargo that were washed ashore ; but of all the 
vast concourse of people that had a few days 
before crowded her decks, not one was saved alive 
save this baby boy. 

When the excitement from the wreck was over, 
and the bodies were all decently buried, the min- 
ister paid a visit to the home of Ned and Annie 
Hormby. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


19 


He took a description of the baby and locket 
and advertised them in most of the principal 
newspapers, but never received any reply or 
inquiry about the boy, who from thence on was 
cared for by the Hormbys. 

Thus the time passed on; no other child was 
sent to or wished for by Ned and his wife, their 
best attention and love being bestowed on the 
little stranger. 

When young Aleck Hormby grew old enough 
he was sent to school, where great attention was 
paid to him by the school teacher, who con- 
sidered himself a kind of second father to the boy. 

Aleck also accompanied his father on many of 
his fishing trips during the summer season. This 
night as the sun is sinking Annie sits by the cot- 
tage door knitting, and watching for the return of 
her husband and boy. It is just seven years ago 
to-night since the wreck, and Ned has had the 
boy with him this day. 

The darkness deepened; and as Annie gazed 
wistfully out on the bay she wonders what is keep- 
ing them out so late; “Surely nothing can have 
happened to them,” says she. Then going inside 
the cottage she lighted a lamp and placed it in 
the window; the same window where, seven years 


20 


ALECK HORMBY. 


before, the bright light had shone through, and 
said “They will see that light far away.” Still the 
time passes slowly on; there was no sound save 
the murmur of the wind and the breaking of the 
waves upon the shore. Then the wooden clock, 
one of the old-fashioned ones with long pendu- 
lum, chains and weights, that hung from the wall, 
struck nine. 

Wherever can they be? 

The wind was now blowing furiously as she 
rose from her chair and once more nervously 
looked out from the door. It was very dark out- 
side, not an object to be seen, so Annie returned 
into the house, went on her knees and offered a 
fervent prayer for the protection from the Most 
High for those she so dearly loved. 

The clock struck once more — ten; and again 
Annie tried to pierce the darkness, but all to no 
purpose; then she heard the grating of a boat as 
it struck the pebbly beach, and wondered if it was 
the Mermaid. 

Had the boat arrived? Were her darling ones 
safe? were questions she kept asking herself as 
she paced to and fro in the garden. 

The boat she had heard striking the beach was 
the Mermaid; soon the sound of hurried footsteps 


ALECK HORMBY. 


21 


were heard outside, then little Aleck, a handsome 
young sailor boy, rushed in, and was soon ten- 
derly embraced in the arms of Annie Hormby. 

Now Ned follows, and Aleck makes room for 
the father. 

Quickly a clean cloth is spread upon the table, 
while upon it is placed a large piece of cold ham, 
a loaf of bread, and cups of warm coffee. 

“What detained you so long to-night?” asked 
Annie. 

“We had good luck to-day,” replied Ned, 
“were quite busy, and could not possibly get home 
earlier.” 

Now Annie fondly^ drew the boy to her, and 
placing him upon her knee, pressed him to her 
breast; then parting his curly hair she warmly 
kissed him. Before long she began to take off 
his clothing, saying, “You are tired I know to- 
night, my boy, and you ought to have been in 
your little bed long ago.” 

“Oh, no, I am not tired,” replied Aleck, hug- 
ging his mother, who looked down upon him 
with pride. 

We will take a look at and give our readers a 
brief description of young Aleck previous to his 
being put to bed. He is just over seven years old, 


22 


ALECK HORMBY. 


but looks at least nine. He is tall for his age, 
gracefully and well built, with handsome features, 
large, light blue eyes, and bright, curly hair. 

Too soon young Aleck Hormby’s summer 
vacation came to an end. He has had a glorious 
two months, partly spent with his father, which 
has been a life of adventure to him; up and down 
the coast on the Mermaid, helping the fishermen 
with his little brown hands, the pride and pet of 
all the men on board. At other times he would 
wade on the seashore with his companions, set- 
ting lines for fish, or with a net catching shrimps, 
crabs or lobsters, with which the coast was well 
supplied. 

Then again he would get among the boys with 
their donkeys on the beach, often trying to steal 
a ride on these watchful animals, who seemed to 
know in an instant when they were giving a ride 
gratuitously, and used their utmost endeavor to 
throw off the pilferers into the sand, which 
amused the boys greatly. 

Until Aleck was six years old Annie had 
kept him at home, instructing him herself in the 
arts of reading and writing, but he had now com- 
pleted his first year in school. No mother could 
possibly have done more for her child than did 
Annie Hormby for little Aleck ; and she was well 


ALECK HORMBY. 23 

repaid for her work by the affection she received 
in return. 

Now comes the morning for the opening of 
school once more, and Aleck, having received a 
warm embrace from his mother, throws the straps 
to his books across his little shoulder and is off. 

The village of Darnley was blessed above other 
things with having a good school. The building 
stood apart by itself, and was surrounded by a 
large playground for the use of the children. The 
teacher, Mr. Bentley, was a good and conscien- 
tious man, with a young family of his own. 

Aleck was somewhat afraid of school at first, 
but the teacher soon made his pupils feel at home 
by treating them with the most considerate kind- 
ness. Had they been his own children his treat- 
ment of them could not have been marked with 
more affection. His chief anxiety was to impart 
to them a knowledge of the right course to pursue, 
with a full appreciation of it. His censure was not 
often used and was embodied in his praise of 
others, his chief punishment consisting in with- 
holding reward. 

Poor little Aleck was rather unhappy on being 
first sent to school, and often ran off to a quiet 
corner of the playground, where he burst into 
tears. But one day two of the other boys caught 


24 


ALECK HORMBY. 


him crying; they immediately began to taunt him 
with being a mamma’s darling, asking him at the 
same time, “if he was crying for his mammy?” 
This Aleck could not stand; he turned on his 
nearest tormentor and struck him on the nose, 
which sent that young worthy howling to his 
mamma with a bloody nose, at the same time stop- 
ping Aleck’s tears on the school subject. 

Frequently Mr. Bentley would give his pupils a 
half-day holiday, starting off with them for the 
neighboring woods, hunting for birds’ nests, 
wasps’ nests and butterflies. Some of the older 
ones would often stay with the teacher, but they 
generally scattered in all directions until it was 
time for them to return. 

Then came the winter, when he would teach the 
boys to slide and skate, help them to make giant 
snow men, and frequently give them sleigh rides; 
loving his pupils, setting them all a good example, 
and being beloved in return. 

So Aleck’s school days passed away, his mother 
often giving him good advice; to be diligent in his 
studies, too proud to tell an untruth, or do a mean 
action ; never to provoke a quarrel, nor allow him- 
self to be bullied, and to be strictly honest in all 
his dealings. 

Thus the time rolls on, until Aleck is fourteen 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


25 


years of age, when he has accomplished all that 
it is possible for him to learn in the village school, 
Teacher Bentley declaring that he is the smartest 
and best boy in the school. He is gentlemanly in 
his manners, one of the best ball players, and the 
fleetest runner in school, although some of the 
boys are several years his senior; he is kind and 
attentive to all the gentler sex, therefore it is not 
to be wondered at that he is a general favorite. 


CHAPTER III. 


In this village of Darnley there resided at the 
time we are writing of a lawyer, whose name was 
Richard Small. 

Lawyer Small's family consisted of himself, 
his wife, and a son and daughter. 

He was considered to be pretty well supplied 
with this world's goods by his neighbors; his 
office and practice was in the neighboring town 
of Southport, to which place he traveled every 
morning by rail, returning home at night. He 
picked up an occasional case in Darnley, but these 
cases were few and far between. He resided in 
Darnley chiefly on his wife's account, who loved 
to be near the ocean. 

Young Harry Small and his sister Nellie 
attended the village school the same as the rest of 
the children in the village. Harry was about one 
year older than Aleck Hormby, while Nellie was 
about the same age. 

The two boys were firm friends, striving to excel 
each other in school and in their games outside; 


ALECK HORMBY. 27 

this had always been done, however, in a friendly 
spirit; no jealousy ever existed between them. 

The school days of the two boys being over in 
the village school, they have once more their long- 
looked-for two months’ vacation, which is spent 
in much the same manner as we have before 
described. 

Nellie Small was passionately fond of drawing; 
she might be frequently seen during summer in 
the fields, on the cliffs, or on the beach, sketch 
book in hand, taking drawings from nature. 

On these journeyings she was generally accom- 
panied by a large black Newfoundland dog, a 
favorite of her’s, named Rover. 

One day during this vacation Nellie proceeded 
down to the beach with her sketch book, where, 
having taken her favorite seat on the top of a 
bowlder close to the cliff, she fell to work sketch- 
ing. So intent was she on her work that she for- 
got all about the tide, which had turned, and was 
slowly surrounding her. 

Closer and closer the waves girdled about her, 
until, when Nellie looked up, she was surrounded 
by water, with the tide still rising. 

One cry of intense agony burst from her lips. 

She saw the waves playing around the bowlder 


28 


ALECK HORMBY. 


at her feet, while behind and in front of her the 
path was closed. 

“Help! Help!” she cried, as she cowered with 
fear; but no human voice could reach the top of 
those cliffs above the noise made by the waves. 

The reader has no doubt heard a storm sinking 
into a momentary lull. A sudden cessation of 
noise we cannot account for. A time, for instance, 
when a noise has suddenly become hushed and 
you could hear a pin drop. 

In such a lull once more Nellie frantically cried: 
“Help! HelpT 

Suddenly over the face of the cliffs there comes 
the barking of a dog. His sharp ears have caught 
the cry of that well-known voice, the frantic cry of 
his beloved mistress. 

Now Nellie sees two heads peering over the 
verge of the precipice and then quickly disap- 
pear from view. 

Meanwhile Aleck Hormby and her brother 
Harry are quickly rushing to her rescue. They 
had been walking together talking over their 
plans for the future when they were startled by 
the barking of Rover. They were close to the 
edge of the cliffs, and on looking over to discover 
the cause of the dog's barking, beheld the situa- 
tion of Nellie. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


2 9 


Off both sprang as one ; Aleck outran his com- 
panion, but not by very much, for by the time that 
Aleck was in a rowboat, and had got the oars 
ready, Harry also jumped into the boat, accom- 
panied by the dog, who refused to stay behind. 

The two pulled for dear life, and were none too 
soon, for the tide was by this time up to Nellie's 
chin. 

It had been a matter of considerable difficulty 
for some time for her to keep her position on the 
bowlder and resist being washed off by the waves 
into the water. A few moments more and she 
must have been swept away. She could no longer 
cry, for terror had mastered her and struck her 
dumb. She saw the black waves licking around 
her on every side, while with hands and feet she 
clung to the bowlder. She was ready to sink with 
fear and exhaustion, when she felt herself lifted 
into the boat. 

Then she fainted. 

Aleck and Harry soon rowed back with the girl, 
who was quickly carried to the home of Ned 
Hormby. 

When Nellie recovered, Annie Hormby was 
bending over her applying restoratives, while 
Aleck and Harry had ran off to apprise the Smalls, 
and procure dry clothing for her. She was not 


30 


ALECK HORMBY. 


much the worse for her thrilling accident and 
immersion, and in a few days completely recov- 
ered. 

One of the first things she did on her recovery 
was to pay a visit to the home of the Hormbys 
to thank Aleck for the manly and courageous part 
he had taken in rescuing her; for to him and the 
dog she knew she owed her existence. 

Mr. Small had previously called upon Aleck, 
warmly thanking him for the service he had ren- 
dered them, also complimenting him highly for 
the coolness and courage he displayed on such a 
trying occasion. 

Aleck and Harry were for some time the heroes 
of Darnley, which they justly deserved to be. 


CHAPTER IV. 


Again the midsummer holidays draw to a close, 
and it has been decided, at the urgent request of 
the two boys, to send them to a private school, 
close to Bangor, for two years. 

Mr. Small had selected the place for them. 

Now comes the morning for their departure. 
They have both taken an affectionate leave of their 
relatives at home, while the boys of the village 
have turned out en masse to shake hands with 
them and shout good bye as they depart. 

Their school was situated in the suburbs of 
Bangor in a lovely spot. Sheltered in a valley, 
the spire of the old church rose far above the tops 
of the trees surrounding it; while the Penobscot 
River flowed through the glen, where often on a 
holiday the two boys caught a basketful of trout. 
The school and house were surrounded by a brick 
wall. 

In the front this wall was about four feet high, 
while on the other three sides it was about six feet 
high. There was a gate in the wall sufficiently 


32 


ALECK HORMBY. 


large to admit horses and carriages; a dense 
shrubbery with a large lawn was in front of the 
house, while behind were the stables and out- 
houses, the garden, playground, school and ser- 
vants’ quarters. 

The boys were required to rise at seven o’clock 
in summer and walk to the bathing place on the 
river, about a mile distant ; after their plunge they 
returned to breakfast, which was served at eight 
o’clock. 

Then came school from nine o’clock until 
twelve, after that dinner. From two to four o’clock 
school again, with supper at six, the remainder of 
the time being spent in recreation, or in any other 
way that pleased them best; they were, however, 
forbidden to leave the grounds without a special 
permit. 

This gave them all the liberty they could wish 
for; the rule regarding a permit simply stopped 
any boy or young man from prowling about the 
town at night. Then came a light supper at half 
past eight, after which the boys were expected to 
retire to their bedrooms for the night. 

In winter their bath was taken in a large room 
fitted up for that purpose in one of the outbuild- 
ings; the time for their studies, meals and recrea- 
tions being the same. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


33 


The principal, Mr. John Shepherd, and his wife 
took a great interest in the boys, who were treated 
in all respects as if they were members of the 
family. 

At this school our two boys were, as before, 
inseparable companions; of course they got into 
scrapes at times, as most boys do; they would 
sometimes stay out too late for school, forgetting 
the time, bird-nesting or fishing. 

Harry had a collection of birds' eggs, and would 
frequently wish to add fresh species thereto; they 
would forget that time flies in such pursuits, and 
consequently return late. 

At other times they would go into town during 
forbidden hours, and frequently meet Mr. Shep- 
herd or some of the teachers when doing so, for 
which they were punished by having extra lessons 
to perform. 

They went to bed at nine o'clock; the hours for 
sleep from nine to seven being long ones for boys, 
they consequently lay awake in the dark for an 
hour or two, each boy telling stories by turns. 

They had also pillow fights in their rooms, often 
creating a great rumpus, and the teacher on duty 
for the night, after listening about at the doors of 
the rooms, would make a sudden descent on the 


34 


ALECK HORMBY. 


guilty parties, giving them additional work for 
the morrow as punishment. 

Most of the boys had pets of some kind in their 
rooms, or in the outbuildings; robins, mocking- 
birds, magpies, canaries, pigeons, hedgehogs, 

, white mice and other favorites being kept, while 
frequent exchanges and sales of the same would 
be made by the boys. 

The discipline in school was very strict, but 
Aleck and Harry were both industrious in their 
studies and imbibed a great amount of knowledge. 

During their first week at the place they struck 
up an acquaintance with a room-mate of theirs, 
Tom Bromley by name, who was in his second 
year in school, and who kindly offered to initiate 
them in all the mysteries connected with their new 
life. Bromley was considered the best all-around 
athlete in the school; he took great pride in 
recording his deeds of renown, how he vanquished 
such a boy in their trials last June, and won the 
greatest number of prizes the same month in a 
•contest with a neighboring school. 

When the three had been acquainted a few days 
lie proposed one morning, after their swim in the 
river, as they were returning to school, to show 
them the place where the fights took place, after 
which he proposed a run across the country. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


35 


Of course Aleck and Harry were ready for the 
fray, not then knowing the reputation of Bromley. 

Away they sped, Bromley first; his knowledge 
of the ground being of some service to him, but 
Aleck and Harry kept well up with him, while 
Bromley found he had no mean competitors to 
deal with, for as they passed their goal there was 
scarcely a yard between the three, and Bromley 
knew that he would have to work to keep his 
laurels. 

“My word,” said Bromley, as soon as he got his 
breath, “you’re pretty good runners.” 

Then came their games of baseball and football, 
in which both our new youngsters gave a good 
account of themselves. 

Thus the time passed on until the end of their 
first year in the school; the two boys passed their 
examination with great credit and were to be pro- 
moted after vacation. 

Bromley found, if he was a match for them in 
running, he was out of the race altogether in 
school, and was left far behind. 

Then came the last school day of the year, when 
the principal went round to each class distributing 
the prizes, of which both Aleck and Harry were 
recipients — also their reports for home. 

The next morning all was bustle and confusion; 


36 


ALECK HORMBY. 


expressmen staggered about with trunks and 
boxes, and hurrahing, holloaing, and shouting, 
they are off. Aleck, to his intense joy, is once 
more safe in the fond arms of his mother; then 
shaking hands heartily with his father; while, as 
they partake of the supper, which has been got up 
in his honor, he recounts his doings of the past 
year in school, and there is not a prouder couple 
in Maine that night than Ned and Annie Hormby. 


CHAPTER V. 


Here they are, all back again at school, and with 
new comers to swell the list, amounting to over 
one hundred boys, ranging from mne to eighteen 
years of age, most of them putting all their energy 
into their work. 

It had been decided in the spring that the ath- 
letic sports belonging to the school, and the con- 
test with the neighboring school, should not take 
place until September. 

Young Bromley found that this year he had to 
share a large amount of the prizes and points with 
Aleck and Harry. 

Most of the boys were full of fun outside, with 
as many tricks as monkeys, and as fluent in 
excuses as an Irish cook. During their second 
year at school Aleck and Harry were much looked 
up to ; being copied by the younger boys, for they 
saw that if they were celebrated for their prowess 
in the games outside that they could be just as 
attentive to and lead in matters connected with 
their inside studies. 


38 


ALECK HORMBY. 


I think there is no place in this wide world of 
ours where personal character has more weight 
than in our schools; where the larger boys have 
more influence for evil or good; where they are 
looked up to as examples, and copied by the 
younger boys. 

I know from personal experience what I say 
here, having had the difficult subject to deal with 
for many years; they are like sheep, and follow 
their leader. 

Remember this, you older boys, and try to act 
and speak like men; be fair and just to the 
smaller boys, and refrain from doing anything 
which is not honorable and right, and remember 
also that the evil that boys do, as well as that of 
men, lives after them. 

Do. not think, my boy readers, that I am going 
to preach even a short sermon to you, or set up 
these two boys as paragons of excellence, for they 
were nothing of the kind. They both knew that 
their parents must be making some sacrifice to 
send them to a school of this description, and 
endeavored to get as much as they possibly could 
for their money; they were both diligent in their 
school work; therefore, their teachers and the 
principal took an interest in them and tried to help 
them all they could. 


ALECK HORMBY. 39 

Outside, after school hours, they frequently.got 
into trouble. 

Some of the boys belonged to a musical society 
in Bangor, and were allowed to attend the rehear- 
sals every Wednesday evening. 

About half way between the town and school, 
in a lonely part of the road, there resided in a 
small cottage a man who got his living by doing 
odd jobs around for the wealthy families. 

The boys used to make this man's life miserable 
by playing all the possible tricks they could upon 
him. One of their favorite ones was, as they 
returned from their rehearsals at night, about a 
dozen in number generally, to kick this man's 
door as they passed, one after another, and then 
run, the man as a rule chasing them, but never 
being able to catch them. At last he complained 
to the principal, and that gentleman resolved to 
watch the boys. Accordingly, the following 
Wednesday night, as they were returning home, 
Harry and Aleck, the two first boys in the group, 
kicked the door as usual and then ran — right into 
the arms of Mr. Shepherd. 

The two. boys were punished the day following 
for this offense, while all their names were erased 
from the list of members of the Bangor musical 
society. 


40 


ALECK HORMBY. 


In their walks outside they frequently got into 
trouble with the neighboring farmers, the boys 
making frequent raids upon their orchards and 
gardens. They had not the slightest cause for 
doing this, for they could get all the fruit they 
needed at home; they did it simply for mischief. 

On one occasion some of the boys made a raid 
upon one of the farmer’s orchards close by; the 
farmer perceiving them in the trees hastily seized 
a cudgel, then loosening his watch dog he imme- 
diately started in pursuit of the thieves. 

The boys in their eagerness to escape ran into 
and trampled to death part of a flock of geese; the 
farmer stumbled and fell among the geese, break- 
ing his arm. 

The day following he drove over to the school 
in his buggy, with his arm in a sling, and made a 
complaint to the principal. 

The boys were assembled in school and the cul- 
prits asked to confess. 

Of course they were all innocent. 

They were questioned separately, but all denied 
any knowledge of the affair. Then the farmer was 
asked if he could pick out any of the culprits; he 
immediately selected Harry, Aleck and Bromley 
as three of the offenders. Harry and Bromley 
easily proved that they were in the school grounds 


ALECK HORMBY. 41 

at the time when the theft and accident occurred, 
but Aleck could not prove an alibi. 

He told Mr. Shepherd he was out alone with a 
book reading at the time of the occurrence, which 
was true; but the farmer persisted in saying that 
Aleck was present, and that he was also the ring- 
leader in the trouble. Mr. Shepherd settled the 
matter with the farmer, paying him handsomely 
for all damages, and then punished Aleck — he still 
protesting that he was innocent — in the presence 
of the whole school. 

The master thought the farmer was sure about 
Aleck being the principal offender, and that he 
was also trying to screen his companions from 
blame. 

Shortly afterwards one of the boys, was taken 
sick ; he confessed the names of all the boys who 
had taken part in the affair, and Aleck was proved 
to be innocent in the matter. Mr. Shepherd just 
as publicly, in the presence of the whole school, 
begged Aleck to forgive him for the mistake, and 
apologized for having punished him. 

This, of course, cleared Aleck, but the public 
punishment still rankled in his bosom, and he 
would frequently tell Harry Small that when he 
got big enough, if it took ten years, he would 
give Shepherd a licking for it in return. 


42 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


But if Aleck had grown and grown until he was 
as large as Goliath he would never have become 
large enough to thrash Mr. Shepherd, for long 
before he had done growing he knew and 
acknowledged that Mr. Shepherd was the best 
friend he ever had. 


CHAPTER VI. 


Some time has passed since the events recorded 
in our last chapter happened; and the end of the 
school year is rapidly approaching. 

Aleck has made great progress in his studies 
and is now at the head of the school. 

Harry and Bromley have also distinguished 
themselves. 

All three are now fine strapping fellows, but 
thorough boys still. 

Constant intercourse with Aleck and Plarry 
has been of immense service to Bromley; it has 
stimulated him in his work in school and shown 
him that there is something beyond running and 
baseball. 

One fine evening about the middle of May, as 
they were all in the playground conversing at 
dusk, one of the boys remarked: “Do you fellows 
know that small-pox has broken out in some of 
the houses not far away from here on the Bangor 
road?” Most of the boys laughed at and ridiculed 
him for his report, while others were afraid of its 
being true. 


44 


ALECK HORMBY. 


Soon their fears were verified, for one of the 
teachers caught the disease. 

He was quickly removed, and every precaution 
taken to stop the plague from spreading. The 
whole school was assembled and told by the doc- 
tor that a careful examination had been made, 
that there was nothing to fear, and no reason for 
stopping the work in school. Still those who 
desired could proceed to their homes at once, 
while those who decided to stay must be vacci- 
nated as a precaution against catching the dis- 
ease. Many of the boys took advantage of the 
liberty to return to their homes; while others 
wished to stay for the examinations, considering 
it cowardly to leave. 

In a short time — the following Saturday — while 
the remaining boys were in the playground, the 
report got abroad that the teacher was dead; soon 
their games were stopped, while a serious feeling 
pervaded the whole group. 

On the day following the report was confirmed 
by Mr. Shepherd proclaiming it to the whole 
school, at the same time paying a warm tribute 
to the capabilities and virtues of their departed 
friend. 

A few days passed gloomily away; then one of 
the boys sickened, and soon Mr. Shepherd himself 


ALECK HORMBY. 


45 


was struck down with the loathsome disease. 
Never till then had our boys felt how their master 
was knit to their hearts ; they moved gently about 
their rooms, while the playground was hushed. 

The crisis came; the master was taken from 
them ; the boy slowly recovered. 

It still wanted five weeks to the holidays, but 
the boys were dismissed, and returned to their 
respective homes. 



CHAPTER VII. 


When Aleck and Harry had been at home a 
short time it became necessary for them to decide 
as to what they were to do in the future. 

Harry wished to become a lawyer, and to go 
into business with his father. 

He was, accordingly, sent to Harvard Univer- 
sity, where he studied law, graduated, and was 
admitted to practice. 

Aleck wanted to enter upon a mercantile life; 
to go to a large city, and get a position in some 
merchant's office, where he would have a good 
chance of improving himself. 

Lawyer Small had offered to secure Aleck such 
a place with a friend of his in Augusta, and Annie 
Hormby had consented to it, thanking Mr. Small 
for his kindness. But Ned strenuously objected 
to this, and said Aleck would have to help him on 
the boat. 

Aleck was sorely disappointed about this; his 
ambition was to become something better than a 
fisherman, but he had to submit. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


47 


Annie also was grieved regarding it. 

Still there was some consolation to Aleck; he 
would be near his mother and Nellie Small, whom 
he had begun to love dearly. 

They were now frequently together; walking in 
the fields, gathering wild flowers in the woods, or 
sitting on some rock or fallen tree overlooking the 
blue waves. Aleck had informed his mother of 
his affection for Nellie; but Annie's keen motherly 
eyes had already noticed this, and the revelation 
was no news to her; still, she received his con- 
fession with maternal tenderness. At the same 
time she gave him a caution as to the difficulties 
he would probably meet with; for much as Mr. 
Small respected Aleck, she thought he would 
object to him as a son-in-law on account of their 
different positions in life. 

Aleck, however, was young, and hoped by 
industry to raise himself to some position worthy 
of her. 

Miss Nellie Small was certainly the prettiest 
girl in Darnley, and the belle of the village; she 
had black hair, dark eyes, a lovely complexion, 
with a tall figure fit for a queen, and as faultless 
as the Venus of Phidias. 

She had loved Aleck ever since he had rescued 
her from her perilous position on the rock; and 


48 


ALECK HORMBY. 


looked upon him as one that was inseparably 
connected with her parents and herself. Of his 
belonging to any one else, the idea had never 
entered her thoughts. 

It was a lovely Sunday evening in early Sep- 
tember; the day had been bright and warm, but 
now a gentle breeze came in from the ocean. 

Aleck and Nellie had partaken of an early 
supper and were now enjoying a walk in the 
autumn fields. The wheat, barley and oats were 
in the sheaf, the cattle lay in the pastures, while 
all nature seemed to rejoice in the calm rest of 
the Sabbath. 

As the two returned home in the twilight they 
stopped to rest and enjoy each other’s company a 
little longer in the village churchyard. 

They sat down upon the grass, close to a grave 
upon which was a small wooden cross. It was 
fast rotting away, the last reminder left of the 
wreck of 1861. 

The cross was upon the grave of Aleck’s 
mother, who, like the cross, was quietly crum- 
bling away. 

“I have been told that you were rescued from 
the same wreck; also that this same lady held you 
in her arms, and that the probability is she was 
your mother,” said Nellie. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


49 


"I have heard the same story/’ replied Aleck; 
“but I do not place much faith in it, for I have 
asked my mother and the school teacher about it. 

“Mr. Bentley told me not to take any notice of 
these reports, and my mother informed me it was 
all nonsense, and bade me not to take any heed 
of such stories in future; I think I shall speak to 
your father some time on the subject.” The con- 
versation had a saddening effect on the two and 
they left the churchyard. 

Aleck saw Nellie safely home, and then 
returned to his own abode. On entering, he 
noticed that Ned Hormby was in his working 
clothes and had probably been out in the boat. 
Ned growled something about some people being 
too religious, or rather too lazy to work Sun- 
days; just in the busiest part of the year when the 
fish were coming in shoals into the bay. 

Aleck saw at once that Ned had been imbibing 
too freely of his own apple-jack, that he was in a 
quarrelsome mood, and discreetly retired. 

There have been ugly rumors about in Darnley 
for some time now, implying that Ned Hormby 
was doing something else besides fishing, and 
that the Mermaid is used for other purposes as 
well as trawling. 

A few months before there had come to the 


50 


ALECK HORMBY. 


village, from no one knew where, though they 
tried hard to find out, a man named Dick Atkins, 
with his wife. 

He said he came from Kentucky. 

How he got his living was a mystery to the 
good people of Darnley ; but he was always plenti- 
fully supplied with money. 

Ned Hormby and this man Atkins soon got 
acquainted, for this seemed to be Atkins' mission 
in coming to the place. The two men spent a 
great part of their time in the village saloons, and 
were frequently under the influence of liquor. 

Ned Hormby in his cups was of a quarrelsome 
disposition ; ugly in temper, and he would sooner 
fight than eat when in them; the men in the vil- 
lage knew this, some of them from experience, 
and gave him a wide berth at these times. 

Since Ned had taken to drinking, Aleck had 
done most part of the work with the Mermaid, 
but he persistently refused to work Sundays. 

Ned Hormby and Atkins are now frequently 
absent from home days at a time; sometimes on 
the boat alone — for when Atkins is there it is 
noticed that Hormby will allow no one else on 
board — at other times no one knew where ; but it 
is remarked that when the two are out alone on 
the boat they return with very few or no fish; 


ALECK HORMBY. 


51 


when they are absent on shore Aleck has charge 
of the boat, and is now the main support of the 
family. Whenever the two returned to Darnley 
on land they would bring large quantities of 
golden rod, or some other plant with them to stop 
the village people from talking, allay suspicion, 
and make people think they were passing their 
time in the woods. 

Which they were; for not far distant, in a 
secluded glen, if you had the curiosity to follow 
them, you would have seen the two enter an old 
deserted shanty or log cabin, long since left by 
the squatter who had formerly lived there. 

Close to this cabin w r as a spring of clear, spark- 
ling water. Before the two had been long in the 
cabin you would notice smoke emerging from the 
chimney. If you kept up your vigil you would 
see the two men carrying water and fuel into the 
place, at the same time keeping a sharp lookout 
for intruders. 

Take a glance through the chinks in its dilapi- 
dated, half rotten walls and you would perceive 
bags of corn laid around, a still, mash tubs and 
worm ; also small kegs or barrels filled with “wild 
cat” whiskey. 

Dick Atkins had been engaged in this work in 
the Kentucky mountains, but the revenue officers 


52 


ALECK HORMBY. 


had made it too warm for him there and he had 
cleared out. He was an old hand at manufacturing 
“corn licker,” and on the kegs or barrels in which 
this liquor was placed no government stamp was 
ever pasted. 

These barrels of whiskey are rolled or carried 
down to the seashore in the dark and placed on 
board the Mermaid; then they are sold by Ned 
and Atkins to saloonkeepers far away, both up 
and down the coast of Maine. 

The revenue officers got information from 
neighbors regarding this still, and resolved to 
make a raid upon the place. 

They entered the cabin during the absence of 
the two men, on a dark and stormy night, saw the 
evidences of “moonshining” around, then they 
laid in wait for the return of Ned and Atkins, 
hoping to capture their game red handed. 

Nellie’s dog Rover had for some time now been 
a frequent visitor on board the Mermaid; at first 
these visits were paid to Aleck, but lately Rover 
has seemed to be perfectly indifferent as to 
whether he was in company with Aleck or Ned, 
providing he could get on board the Mermaid and 
enjoy his sail. He is now on board the boat as she 
returns from her trip with Ned and Atkins, who 


ALECK H0RMBY. 53 

have just disposed of their stock of illicitly dis- 
tilled whiskey. 

As they stepped off the boat and began to climb 
the mountainous road leading to the still the 
storm burst upon them. The road was a bad one 
at its best, and they looked around on every side 
in fear. Immense branches were shivered from 
the trees; the long grass was bowed to the earth; 
the rain fell in torrents, and the tall trees, like the 
men, bowed before the blast; the sluices of the 
mountains were filled, and, innumerable torrents 
rushed down the before empty gullies. 

Then in a moment all was hushed. 

Dead silence succeeded the roar of the thunder 
and wind. 

Nothing was heard save the splash of the agi- 
tated ocean, as it beat up against the black cliffs 
which girdled it. 

For an instant the two men dashed madly for- 
ward; both men and beast were blinded and stifled 
by the gushing rain, and gasping for breath. 

There was no shelter around. 

As they drew nearer to the hut the dog Rover 
began to show signs of uneasiness; he turned sud- 
denly towards the place where the revenue officers 
were concealed, at the same time uttering a low 
growl. 


54 


ALECK HORMBY. 


This caused the men to halt and look carefully 
around. 

But they could see nothing that appeared sus- 
picious; and the dog, after a moment's pause, 
appeared satisfied and trotted on again. 

"Some wild animal, probably," said Ned to 
Atkins as they entered the hut. 

Keeping as much under cover as possible the 
officers cautiously and silently drew towards the 
cabin in order to prevent the two men escaping. 
But long before the watchers were close enough 
the dog heard them, gave the alarm, and the two 
men escaped. 

The revenue officers kept a close watch on the 
place for several days, hoping the two men would 
return to their work in the still, or try to move 
their goods away. But all their watching was 
futile. Atkins had had considerable experience 
with revenue officers before, and as he remarked 
to Hormby, "The jig was up, and it was no use 
running their necks into a halter for the sake of 
the old kettles and pans." 

At last the officers, tired of waiting and now 
feeling sure the "moonshiners" would never 
return for their property, they commenced the 
usual destruction of the barrels of mash, the still 


ALECK HORMBY. 55 

itself, with the vessels used for distilling, and then 
left the vicinity. 

It would have gone hard with the informers if 
Ned Hormby or Atkins had found them out, for 
they were both desperate men when under the 
influence of liquor, which was pretty often, as it 
was always with them; they would in all proba- 
bility have received something different to the 
reward paid by the government for information 
respecting these places. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


Ned and Atkins “laid on their oars,” as they 
expressed it, for several weeks after this, going 
out in the boat occasionally fishing, but spending 
the major part of their time in the village saloons. 

One day Atkins proposed to Ned to transfer 
their distilling operations on board the Mermaid. 

Hormby pondered for some time over Atkins' 
proposition and then burst out into a laugh. 
“Your plan might work all right in the Kentucky 
mountains,” replied he, “supposing we could 
transfer the Mermaid up there; but you ought to 
know that there is a vast difference between the 
people there and here by this time. There they 
wink at and screen such work, but here we should 
be 'blown on' in a very short time. You must 
have observed while living here the propensity of 
the inhabitants of Darnley to criticise the actions 
of every one else in the village. How everybody in 
the place generously lays aside all their own busi- 
ness to attend to that of their neighbors. How 
they all imagine they are amateur detectives, 


ALECK HORMBY. 


57 


their object being to find out all the secrets of 
every stranger who settles within their gates, and 
to keep the rest of the village posted with all their 
news respecting them. 

“These busybodies have been inquiring into 
your antecedents ever since you came to Darnley, 
and have manufactured or found out all kinds of 
stains upon your character, which you are endeav- 
oring to conceal; but in spite of all your precau- 
tions these social news gatherers are determined 
to sift your past life to the bottom, putting all its 
dark spots before the admiring people of the 
place. 

“Since the revenue officers destroyed our old 
place you may safely assert that no two men in 
the whole country have been kept under a stricter 
surveillance than we have. We could not get the 
still and other implements needed on board the 
Mermaid without every one in Darnley knowing 
of it; besides, if one single person saw us all the 
rest would have the information the same day; 
then, again, how are we to get our corn, water 
and other supplies on board unseen? No, I do 
not think your plan regarding using the Mermaid 
for such a purpose practicable. 

“Again there is another drawback to your pro- 
posal — young Aleck — he uses the boat a great 


58 


ALECK HORMBY. 


deal more than we do now, and although he 
might not turn informer — hem (turning on his 
heel) — no, your plan is not feasible.” 

On the morning following this conversation — 
which happened to be Sunday — the two men 
Hormby and Atkins, met early at one of the vil- 
lage saloons. 

After partaking freely of liquor during the 
early part of the day, the two men in the afternoon 
repaired on board the Mermaid to sleep off the 
effects of their potations, taking another plentiful 
supply of whiskey in a bottle with them. 

The vessel rode at anchor out in the bay. 

When they awoke it was after sundown, and 
both of them were suffering from the effects of 
their morning debauch. 

Hormby had begun to dislike Atkins, especially 
when sober, and tried sometimes to shake him off, 
but Atkins was one whom it was hard to get 
rid of; he clung closely to Hormby from morning 
to night, continually tempting him to drink. 

After the two had again partaken freely of the 
whiskey which they had brought on board, or 
"taken a hair from the dog that bit them in the 
morning,” as Atkins expressed it, they entered 
into conversation again about "whiskey spin- 
ning.” Hormby remarked: "I know of a cave 


ALECK HORMBY. 


59 


some two miles away from here, down on the 
coast, which is close to the seashore, where I 
think we might pursue our operations free from 
interruption. It is situated in a large ravine run- 
ning from the shore to the top of a hill, and I do 
not think any other person living knows of its 
existence. I found it accidentally when I was a 
boy, and have never visited the place since.” 

“Well, what do you say to our going to take a 
look at it now?” said Atkins. 

“All right,” replied Hormby, “I am willing.” 

They accordingly pulled up the anchor and set 
sail for the place. 

It was a lovely night, with a bright, full moon, 
which at times was obscured for a few minutes by 
the passage of dark clouds over the canopy. 

There was very little wind, however, while all 
around was in a deathly stillness. 

The air was pure and light, and the slightest 
noise could have been heard a long distance in 
such a place. 

When the Mermaid reached her destination 
the two men jumped on shore and proceeded up 
the ravine to examine the cave. It was situated 
on a rocky promontory, was sufficiently large for 
all they required, and had probably been the lair 
of some large wild animal, for all around were 


6o 


ALECK HORMBY. 


scattered bones and skeletons long ago bleached 
white. 

The mouth of the cave was small and almost 
covered by vines, which hung from above; while 
inside all was as dark as pitch. 

It was just the place for their purpose. 

Water, pure, sparkling water, dripped from the 
rocks at the further end of the cavern, filling a 
large cavity in the ground to overflowing, then 
trickling along the cave, down the side of the 
ravine. 

Early the following morning the two men were 
at the cave again, with lamps in their possession; 
the place was quickly cleaned out, and once more 
Atkins set to work manufacturing his home-made 
mash tub, worms, etc. 

During all this time, in fact ever since the com- 
ing of Atkins to the village, Ned Hormby had 
grown more brutal in his treatment of his wife 
and Aleck at home; it had now become almost 
impossible to live with him. Annie would fre- 
quently beg of Ned to drop the acquaintance of 
Atkins, let whiskey making alone, and return to 
his former method of gaining a livelihood, but all 
to no purpose. 

Aleck was sorely tried, too, and frequently had 
to put up with abuse and even blows when 


ALECK HORMBY. 


6l 


Hormby was under the influence of liquor. He 
would have left Damley long before this if his 
mother and Nellie Small had not been so closely 
entwined in his affections. He frequently confided 
his troubles to Lawyer Small, and that gentleman 
strongly urged him to leave the Hormby’s and go 
to one of the large cities, where he could start in 
life on his own account. 

Hormby and Atkins used the Mermaid almost 
exclusively now, which left Aleck with a vast 
amount of spare time on his hands. 

This time he spent in attending to the garden, 
in reading, and reviewing the work he had done 
in school, or in working for other fishermendn the 
village when he could get anything to work at. 

Lawyer Small possessed a fine library, which 
he allowed Aleck to use just as much as he wished 
to. This helped Aleck to pass away his leisure 
hours, but he was terribly disappointed as day 
after day passed away and he growing fast into 
manhood, with no settled purpose or occupation 
in life. 

It was now pretty well known in Darnley how 
Hormby and Atkins were passing their time, and 
what they were doing . 

They had as yet always been successful in evad- 


62 


ALECK HORMBY. 


ing the revenue authorities, and as their business 
increased they grew bolder. 

Hormby frequently tried to pursuade Aleck to 
join them in their nefarious work, telling him 
that he could make far more money that way 
than in their old woman’s work of fishing. This 
made Aleck’s position extremely perplexing. To 
his parents, as he considered Ned Hormby and 
Annie, he owed everything. He would have done 
anything in his power to please Ned, providing it 
was lawful and right; but he well understood the 
kind of work they were engaged upon, also, that 
sooner or later they would be caught. 


CHAPTER IX. 


Lawyer Small's house was the largest and best 
looking one in Darnley. 

It was approached by a double flight of steps, 
while its fancy balconies, stained windows and 
Grecian cornice gave a stately air to the building. 
But if the outer appearance of the house was noble 
and imposing, it was within one of the richest and 
best finished houses in Maine. 

The hall was a spacious one, dotted here and 
there with tables, upon which were bronze 
statuettes, French porcelain, Chinese fans, etc., 
while upon the wall hung pictures from some of 
the best painters. 

On the left side of this hall opened a suite of 
drawing rooms, to the right was the dining room, 
while behind was the kitchen and servants’ quar- 
ters. 

It was a lovely evening, with all the freshness of 
spring, all the brightness of summer. 

There had been cold winds all through the 
month of April, and May was backward and bash- 


64 


ALECK HORMBY. 


ful. The woods had worn their wintry russet 
longer than usual, but now all on a sudden, like 
the unfolding of a scene on a stage, the trees were 
bursting into leaf. 

Still the mornings and evenings were cool. 

At one end of the dining room on this raw Sun- 
day evening in early May, in the home of the 
Smalls, there was an enormous wood fire, which 
cast a ruddy glow around it; in this rosy atmos- 
phere, seated in two capacious arm-chairs, were 
Mr. and Mrs. Small. 

They had just returned from church, where Mr. 
Small had been somewhat bored by the drowsy 
service, and particularly long sermon given for 
the edification of the villagers. 

Aleck and Nellie had not yet returned; they 
were taking their usual evening’s walk after the 
service. 

While they were taking this stroll the two elder 
Smalls got into conversation respecting them. 

Mrs. Small started the subject by observing: 
“I think it is about time that this foolishness 
between Nellie and Aleck Hormby came to an 
end. It has been going on for some years now; 
no good can come of it, and the longer we delay 
putting a stop to it the harder it will make it for 
them to bear.” 


ALECK HORMBY. 


65 


Mr. Small seems loth to answer. 

But after some hesitation he says: “I know you 
are right, my dear, to a certain extent. I know 
also that you are a woman who never does things 
by halves, being impetuous sometimes in your 
ways; therefore, let us talk the matter carefully 
and calmly over before we decide to do anything. 
Aleck Hormby is a fine fellow, and a young man 
who would make his mark in the world if he 
would only sever his connections with the 
Hormby family and go out to fight the battle of 
life. Then, again, I am afraid Nellie is deeply in 
love with him, for she is always ready to take his 
part, and that proudly, too.” 

“Well,” replied Mrs. Small, “love or no love, 
there are really limits to everything; I think just 
as much of Aleck Hormby as you do, and perhaps 
more, but all the people in the vicinity are mixing 
Nellie’s name with theirs now, and saying she 
associates with a family of vagabonds.” 

“I am afraid you are disposed to be a little 
too severe on our .neighbors, the Hormbys,” 
remarked Mr. Small, in a conciliatory manner. 

“But what can we do?” 

“We can never keep the two apart in a small 
place like this, besides, if Nellie knew our object 
in trying to do so it would only make her more 


66 


ALECK HORMBY. 


determined. What do you say to our paying a 
visit to Europe for a short time, or do you think 
we ought to send her to school for a couple of 
years longer? She needs more education yet, and 
probably if we sent her away Aleck would leave 
also before long, and thus bring about a separa- 
tion quietly. ,, 

“I think the latter plan of sending her to school 
for two years or so would be best,” said Mrs. 
Small, “for, as you say, she needs more schooling, 
and I do not feel disposed for traveling at 
present.” 

When Aleck and Nellie returned from their 
walk they bid each other good-night, and then 
Nellie, humming the air of a popular love song, 
bounded lightly up the front steps and entered the 
hall. 

In a few minutes, after taking off her wraps, 
she hears her father calling her into the dining 
room. As she enters he motions her to a seat 
between him and her mother, saying: “Take a 
seat, my dear.” 

It was pleasant to see what a ray of sunshine 
Nellie brought with her into their home. Every- 
one in the whole house, even to the dog Rover, 
seemed to bask in her sunny ways and smiles. 
“Well, what is the matter now, old dad?” she said. 


ALECK HORMBY. 6? 

as she put her arms around her father's neck and 
kissed him. 

"Your mother and I have just had a serious 
conversation," replied her father, "about which 
you were the subject." 

"Indeed, I am very lucky," she said, "in having 
parents who take such an interest in my welfare; 
won’t yOu please enlighten me as to the nature of 
the conversation? for l am sure it must have been 
very interesting with such a subject as myself for 
its cause.” 

"Will you drop your jesting, Nellie, please?” 
replied her father. 

"The subject your mother and I have been con- 
versing upon is about your education. We both 
of us think it will be of great benefit to you if you 
are sent to a good school for a year or two to com- 
plete your studies.” 

"Do you really mean that?" asked Nellie. 

Then she stopped and pondered for a few 
moments, gazing full into her father’s face. "I am 
very glad you are of that opinion and am perfectly 
willing to go.” 

"Have you decided upon any place and when I 
am to depart?” asked she. 

"No, not yet,” replied her father, "there is no 
hurry about the matter. I will begin to look 


68 


ALECK HORMBY. 


around for a suitable place, and we can make our 
decision in a week or two.” 

“All right, papa, dear,” said Nellie; then kiss- 
ing her father and mother, and bidding them 
“good-night,” she retired to rest. 

A few evenings after this Aleck and Nellie met 
on the beach in the evening twilight; there was 
not a single person on the water, on the beach or 
on the cliffs above them. It was a perfect night, 
full with the sweet breath of spring, while the sea 
breeze brought a pleasant taste of the ocean to 
their lips as the waves rippled and murmured at 
their feet. 

Aleck noticed at once when they met that some- 
thing was the matter with Nellie, and said: “How 
serious you are to-night.” 

Nellie hesitated a little, then she answered: 
“Yes, I am, I have cause to be serious.” 

Aleck, feeling alarmed, asked: “What is the 
matter, Nellie, dear?” 

Then Nellie's pent-up feelings gave way as she 
sobbingly told him of the impending separation. 
For some moments after this the hearts of both 
were so agitated that neither of them gave utter- 
ance to their thoughts. 

Nellie was first in resuming the subject. 

“I know that their object in sending me away is 


ALECK HORMBY. 


69 


only to part us ; if my parents think I need more 
education, why did they not send me away years 
ago, when you and Harry were at school in 
Bangor?” Once more Nellie broke down, while 
Aleck, putting his arms around her and drawing 
her head upon his breast, tried to soothe her with 
kind words of love. 

“Do you know when you are going to leave?” 
presently asked Aleck. 

“Not positively,” replied Nellie, “but I fancy it 
will be in a week from Monday ; papa is making 
the arrangements as quickly as possible.” 

“Well there is some comfort left us anyway,” 
replied Aleck; “we shall have the pleasure of each 
other’s company for nearly two weeks yet.” 

Nellie’s sunny temperament soon asserted itself 
again, and then the two, hand in hand, went 
strolling along the beach together. 

They had not proceeded very far before Aleck 
proposed a sail. 

“There is your father’s boat lying just out of the 
reach of the waves ; shall I launch her, and we can 
spend an hour or two on the water once more?” 
asked he. 

“All right,” said Nellie; “God alone knows 
when we may have another chance.” 

Saying which she got into the boat; then Aleck 


70 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


gave it a strong push, jumped in after her, and 
they were soon gliding out upon the water. 

Nellie took hold of the rudder ropes, while 
Aleck began to haul up the sail. Soon they caught 
the breeze and were skimming swiftly out of the 
bay. Their sorrows are now forgotten, as sitting 
side by side, locked in each other’s embrace, they 
renew their vows of fidelity to each other. Then 
they were silent for a time; there were no need for 
words, and, in fact, their lips were employed in a 
more pleasant occupation. 

Their boat was now swiftly passing the head- 
land of the bay out into the open ocean, and in a 
short time there was nothing to be seen but the 
boundless blue sea in front of them, while far 
behind, like a mass of clouds, the cliffs of Darnley 
were just discernible. 

The ruddy moon was now slowly rising out of 
the water, illuminating all around with its gentle 
beams. 

Suddenly a large boat passed close to them, 
when Aleck exclaimed: “That is the Mermaid; 
she is going somewhere with a cargo of whiskey, 
I am sure.” 

As Aleck spoke the Mermaid crossed them, 
skimming the water like a bird. 

Then Nellie said “Yes, it is the Mermaid, and 


ALECK HORMBY. 71 

look there, they have Rover aboard with them, 
too.” 

She involuntarily called: “Rover! Rover!” 

The dog, on hearing Nellie’s voice, jumped into 
the water and began to swim for their boat. 

Aleck slackened sail, and soon Rover, all drip- 
ping with water, was taken into the boat. 

Nellie gave the dog a good scolding, and he 
seemed to realize that he had been caught in bad 
company, as he crouched and grovelled at her 
feet. He was soon up again, however, shaking 
himself and in the prow of the boat, where he 
stood barking at the fast disappearing Mermaid. 

Presently Nellie said: “I think we had better 
return now, Aleck, for it is getting late, and father 
and mother will be uneasy if I stay out much 
longer.” Aleck changed their course for home, 
then took a seat beside Nellie, kissing her and 
asking her if she was happy. 

“Very, very happy,” replied Nellie. 

“Let us be happy and satisfied for the time 
being, for there are no doubt times coming when 
we can not be so.” Aleck, feeling that Nellie was 
getting a little despondent, again pressed her to 
his breast, while with kind words of comfort he 
tried to console her. A short time of intense hap- 
piness passed, and then they struck the shore. 


72 


ALECK HORMBY. 


Rover immediately bounded on to the beach, 
while Nellie quickly followed. 

Aleck pulled up the boat, made her fast, and the 
three departed on their journey homewards. 

On the Saturday evening previous to the Mon- 
day on which it had been decided that Nellie 
should take her departure for school, a lawn party 
and ball were given by her parents at their home 
in her honor. 

Meanwhile during the interim her father had 
made all arrangements for her attending a young 
ladies' seminary at Germantown, Philadelphia. 
Aleck dressed himself that evening for the party 
with great care. When he arrived at the residence 
of the Smalls most of the guests were already 
assembled. 

A joyous throng was gathered in the hall. 

Men's deep voices and ladies' silvery accents 
blended well together, while light footsteps were 
tripping up and down the staircase or wandering 
from room to room. Presently all the guests 
were gathered together on the lawn, where, for a 
short time, they stood grouped in parties chatting 
merrily. Then they all entered the ball room, 
where the first quadrille was soon started. 

Aleck and Nellie danced several times together 
that night, in fact rather oftener than the youths 


ALECK HORMBY, 


73 


of Darnley liked to see. They both danced well, 
and as they swept around the room were greatly 
admired. After one of these dances, the room 
being extremely hot, many of the party deserted 
it, strolling out on the lawn, in the garden, or 
down the lane; and both Aleck and Nellie were 
among the deserters. 

When the evening was far advanced, and the 
ball was drawing to a close, the two once more 
stole away from the company, retiring to a large 
chestnut tree close by, where they could converse 
without fear of being interrupted. Nellie was 
very quiet, solemn, in fact, for as the time for the 
separation drew nearer she seemed to feel more 
despondent, and with difficulty kept back her 
tears. 

When the company began to disperse they 
walked back in silence to the house; their hearts 
were both full, and they had nothing to say. Then 
came the time for parting, when Aleck, having 
bid the elder Smalls good night, embraced Nellie 
and departed. 

On the following day they met once more at 
church, took their last stroll afterwards, and then 
came the morning for Nellie’s departure for 
school. 


74 


ALECK HORMBY. 


She was up very early, in fact long before the 
rest of the family. 

Having arranged her hair, and dressed herself 
in a light summer dress, it still wanted close upon 
two hours to breakfast time. It was a brilliant 
morning when she ran down into the hall and 
through the glass doors which led to the lawn. 
There was a fresh and fragrant breeze coming in 
from the ocean ; the birds were singing merrily in 
the trees, as if inviting her to partake in their 
jubilee; in fact all nature seemed to be happy and 
gladsome. 

Presently she heard her mother calling, “Nellie, 
will you please come in to breakfast.” 

She ate very little, and left the table as soon as 
possible, hastening up stairs to finish packing her 
trunk. 

Having completed this task she began to walk 
around the room, when she was joined by her 
father, who came to give her a little advice, also 
the money for her traveling expenses, and to bid 
her good-bye. 

It now wanted but half an hour to the time for 
the train to leave Darnley. 

Her trunk had just been carried to the depot; 
she took a few mouthfuls of bread and milk and 
then went to her mother's room to bid her good- 


ALECK HORMBY. 


75 


bye. Nellie clung to her mother's neck for a few 
moments, half smothering her with kisses; then 
her mother said: “Good-bye, dear; mind you take 
good care of yourself and learn all you can while 
you are away." 

Then came the parting with Aleck, who was 
with her to the last; this was the most painful and 
bitter of all, but like everything else in this transi- 
tory life it came to an end, and Nellie was for the 
first time in her life whirled away to remote and 
unknown parts. 

A few days after Nellie left Darnley Mr. Bent- 
ley, the school teacher, was compelled to leave 
Darnley also. 

His father had died in New York suddenly, 
leaving his son comfortably well off. Mr. Bentley, 
Jr., intended remaining in New York perma- 
nently, after the funeral of his father was over, so 
the school board of Darnley had to cast about for 
a new teacher. Not being able to find a suitable 
person on such a short notice, Aleck Hormby was 
asked to take charge of the school for the 
remainder of the year, and consented to do so. 

Thus for a short time Aleck's life passes on; he 
has the village children around him each day, 
doing his best to instill into their minds such 
geography, arithmetic, history, grammar, etc., as 


76 


ALECK HORMBY. 


the village curriculum calls for, and trying to the 
best of his ability to tread in the footsteps of his 
worthy predecessor. 

But is he satisfied with his present life? 

Let us pay him a visit and see. 

It is evening. 

He has just dismissed his school, and is sitting 
alone at his desk. It has been a sultry June day, 
with an oppressive, hot breeze from the west. 
Does he look happy, or even content? 

No; he feels more desolate than ever since 
Nellie left, and determines as soon as the school 
year is over to break, if possible, the chains which 
bind him to Darnley. He now longs to get out 
into the busy w r orld, and away from this drudgery 
of teaching dull and careless children writing and 
ciphering. He, for the time, forgets his own 
school days, also that when he got a vast deal 
older than these children how difficult it was to 
him to keep his attention on his studies on a 
deadly summer day like this has been. A day with 
scorching heat, and gusts of hot air that tor- 
mented the life out of the little ones, and also took 
away all their energy. 

But at last the day is over, night is drawing 
nigh, and having brought his eventide musings to 
a close he rises from his seat, locks the school- 


ALECK HORMBY. 


77 


house door after him and is soon out in the har- 
vest field, busy among the mowers, where for a 
time he forgets his troubles, the galling bondage 
and soreness from which he wishes to be cut 
asunder. 


CHAPTER X. 


We must now return to Ned Hormby and 
Atkins, who are still at their old business of 
whiskey manufacturing. They have had a busy 
morning, filling up numerous kegs of liquor, 
which they intend transporting to the Mermaid 
previous to their delivery that night. When their 
work was finished Atkins proposed a visit to the 
village, so that they could imbibe a different brand 
of liquor. 

Ned Hormby consenting, the two started for 
Darnley at once; on arriving at the village they 
entered one of the saloons. 

The place was full of loafers. 

At one of the tables were a party of four — who 
proudly termed themselves a quartet — they were 
trying to staggen or stumble through something 
about, “Darling, darling, how I love thee,” which 
they proudly told the company was a “glee.” 

At one of the other tables playing cards were 
another party. The card players were greatly 
incensed at times at the quartet, frequently telling 


ALECK HORMBY. 79 

them to “shut up, for we can’t hear to play cards 
for your confounded noise.” 

At another group of tables, which had been 
pushed together to accommodate their numbers, 
were a party who styled themselves “The Sons of 
the White Rose.” 

These gentlemen were Canadians, who had left 
Canada and settled in Maine; they were now 
criticising the actions of the United States Gov- 
ernment, and making resolutions for the advance- 
ment of United States citizens, which the secretary 
was ordered to forward to Washington. 

When Hormby and Atkins entered the place, 
however, it stopped all their business. 

The United States Government was allowed to 
run things its own way for a time, as far as “The 
Sons of the White Rose” were concerned; the 
party playing cards threw down their hands, while 
the quartet instantly showed an inclination to 
transfer their affection from Apollon to Bacchus. 

Some of the company requested Ned to “set 
’em up,” which he frequently did, while others 
jokingly asked him if he had caught any fish that 
morning. 

To this question Ned replied by saying: “No; 
we have only been getting the bait ready.” The 


8o 


ALECK HORMBY. 


two stayed here until dusk, and then returned 
once more to the cave. 

The night was fine and starlight, and they got 
their kegs of liquor quickly and safely aboard the 
Mermaid, considering the condition they were in. 
The wind was blowing hard from the north as 
they put out to sea, and they were soon passing 
Darnley Bay. 

Suddenly, as they rounded the northern point, 
they perceived a revenue cutter bearing down 
straight for the Mermaid. The cutter commanded 
the Mermaid to stop, but Ned Hormby took no 
notice of the order. Then the cutter fired a gun, 
but still the Mermaid kept on her course. Once 
more the cutter fires, and this time with shot, 
striking dangerously near the Mermaid, and mak- 
ing the white spray dash over their deck. Soon 
after this the wind changed, turning to a gale, 
and then the race started in earnest. 

The Mermaid was a swift craft, and sailed well, 
especially in a heavy sea, and it was all the cutter 
could do to hold her own. It was a stern chase, 
for both Atkins and Hormby realized their dan- 
ger; but they both determined to save their liquor, 
and escape, if possible. 

Sometimes they lost sight of the cutter in the 


ALECK HORMBY. 


8l 


darkness, then again they could distinguish the 
lights on board. 

After a time the wind dropped, and all was still; 
the Mermaid lay becalmed, while the cutter was 
quickly steaming on, lessening the distance 
between the two boats. 

Ned Hormby was at the helm of the Mermaid; 
as the cutter drew nearer he ordered Atkins to 
sink the kegs of whiskey. 

“Heave them overboard as quickly as possible; 
if we are to lose them, those darned revenue offi- 
cers shall not have them; neither will they find 
any evidence against us.” Atkins quickly sank the 
kegs, one after another, and when the cutter came 
alongside their deck was clear. “Darn you pesky 
revenue officers,” said Atkins, “I guess you thinks 
you is powerful smart in chasing and shooting at 
poor fishermen like we.” The revenue officers 
took no notice of his remarks, but at once began 
to carefully search the Mermaid. Of course they 
found nothing to incriminate Hormby and Atkins, 
and had been to all their trouble for nothing. 
They returned to their own boat, Ned and Atkins 
laughing jeeringly as they did so. 

“You can laugh all you want to, Hormby,” said 
the captain of the revenue boat, “but our day will 


82 


ALECK HORMBY. 


come; you have been too smart for us this trip, 
but — well, never mind, better luck next time.” 

“All right; good-bye, Bowles,” said Ned, and 
so they parted. 

The revenue officers had frequently tried to cap- 
ture the two men at their work in the cave, but 
all their attempts had so far been fruitless. Ned 
and Atkins pursued their work there with as 
much confidence as if they had an army of scouts 
on the watch for revenue officers. 

This is explained by the fact that they had a 
guard — a careful, watchful guard — in the dog 
Rover. 

Ever since Nellie left Darnley, and Aleck had 
been engaged in his scholastic duties, Rover had 
been with them almost constantly. 

While the two men were in the cave engaged in 
their manufacture of “Mountain dew,” the dog sat 
upon a large bowlder outside, keeping a careful 
watch above and below. If any person appeared 
in sight in the day time, it brought forth a warn- 
ing growl, enabling Ned to get his glass upon the 
stranger and scrutinize him long before he got 
near to the cave. 

But even during the night it was impossible to 
get anywhere near them without attracting the 


ALECK HORMBY. 83 

dog’s notice, and giving the two men ample time 
to make their escape. 

Night has come again; Ned and Atkins are 
once more rolling their kegs of liquor down the 
slope in front of the cave, and transferring them 
to the Mermaid, with the dog Rover trotting in 
front of them. 

Ned Hormby feels despondent somehow to- 
night; he strongly suspected, and had a premoni- 
tion, that the revenue officers were on their track. 
He walked on for a short time, considering the 
matter in his mind, his face darker than the night, 
and with a heavy oppression of dread and sorrow 
weighing upon his mind. 

Then Atkins suddenly broke into a laugh, and 
said: “Why, Ned, you have come away without 
your hat.” 

“Yes,” replied Ned, “I did it purposely; I am 
afraid those darned cutter men are on our track 
again to-night.” 

Turning to the dog, Ned pointed to his head, 
and said: “Fetch my hat, Rover.” The dog at 
once started back for the cave, while the two men 
stood still and listened. They had only a few 
minutes to wait, when down to them came the 
deep baying of the dog. Ned’s fears were cor- 


8 4 


ALECK HORMBY. 


rect, for the revenue officers were on the watch 
for them. 

They had divided into two parties this night, 
one-half of the men being already in the cave, 
waiting to capture Ned and Atkins should they 
come back for more liquor; the other half being 
on the revenue cutter. 

Rover, when he reached the cave, refused to 
enter, stopping upon the ledge outside and bark- 
ing furiously. The men tried to persuade him to 
come inside, but all to no purpose. Seeing that 
their efforts were of no use they tried to shoot 
the dog; then he prudently retired. He at once 
joined Ned and Atkins, who were now on board 
the Mermaid and putting out to sea. 

While the two men were engaged in getting 
the Mermaid out, they were closely followed by 
the cutter. 

Rover once more gave the alarm by barking 
loudly at the cutter, thus showing the two men on 
board the Mermaid their dangerous position. 

“Crowd on all the sail possible,' ” said Ned to 
Atkins. 

The breeze was fresh and the chase became 
exciting, for the two were both brave and reck- 
less men and had become desperate in their 
efforts to escape. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


85 


Again the barking of the dog was heard on 
board the cutter, and this time it was nearer and 
louder. The dog did not seem to realize that, if 
he was apprising his friends of their danger he 
was also guiding their enemies, by giving them 
the clue to their position. 

They both ordered Rover to keep quiet, but the 
dog took no notice of them. 

Atkins turned pale with anger; then he 
bestowed a tremendous kick upon Rover with 
his heavy-heeled boot which sent the dog tum- 
bling down the cabin stairway. But Rover was 
not used to this kind of treatment; he bounded up 
the staircase, growling fiercely as he did so; on 
gaining the deck he flew at Atkins, seized him 
by the throat, then throwing him on his back 
pinned him to the deck. 

When Atkins perceived the dog making for 
him he hastily drew a large clasp knife from his 
pocket to defend himself with. 

“Loose him! Leave go. Rover l" shouted 
Hormby, to the dog. 

But this was no time for Rover to obey; he was 
engaged in a struggle, and that a struggle for life. 

The two fought like demons; Atkins slashing 
away at Rover with his knife; the dog worrying 
at Atkins' throat. It was a hard battle; a fierce 


86 


ALECK HORMBY. 


struggle; man against beast; finally the two 
slipped on the smooth, drenched deck, and, slid- 
ing backwards, they went overboard, still firmly 
locked together in their struggle for supremacy. 

Several days afterwards their bodies were 
washed ashore, Rover still having a firm grip on 
the throat of his enemy, while Atkins’ arms were 
firmly girdled around the dog’s body, holding 
him with an iron grip, the grip of death. 

When Ned ordered Rover to loosen his grip on 
Atkins, and he saw that the dog took no notice of 
him, he started for the strugglers, intending to 
choke off the dog, but before Ned could reach 
them, man and dog had gone overboard. 

In less time than it takes to tell it, after Ned 
left the rudder the Mermaid broached to and 
fell into the trough of the sea, where she rolled 
helplessly about like an empty barrel. 

Although Ned was terribly distressed at this 
sudden and unexpected termination of the affair, 
and greatly excited by the scene he had just wit- 
nessed, he turned round and made for the helm. 

The cutter was now swiftly closing up with the 
Mermaid. 

As she neared her, she fired one of her guns 
into the boat, carrying away the main-mast close 
by the board. The shot glancing off the mast 


ALECK HORMBY. 87 

struck Ned on the knee, thus crippling him also, 
and he fell on the deck badly wounded. 

The Mermaid, now utterly disabled, drifted 
before the wind, and the cutter came quickly 
alongside. Several times during the approach of 
the cutter did those on board her see the fierce 
struggle between Rover and Atkins, and heard 
the harsh worrying of the dog, also, another 
strange sort of sepulchral human noise. 

When the men on the cutter began to board 
the Mermaid, Hormby sprang to his feet to resist 
them, but he soon sank on deck again, uttering a 
groan of despair. It was a painful experience 
for him, this tragic end of their illicit distilling; 
he had a prosperous business before he made 
the acquaintance of Atkins; was honored and 
respected by the people of Darnley, but now he 
would be a cripple for some time to come, with 
the prison, also, looking him in the face. 

After becoming familiar with Atkins, he had 
utterly neglected his business, and, dog-in-the- 
manger-like, had prevented any one else from 
attending to it. 

Aleck could have carried on the business, and 
would have done so if Hormby would have per- 
mitted him, but Ned would not allow this, and 
everything connected with his occupation as fish- 


88 


ALECK HORMBY. 


erman had been going to rack and ruin for 
some time; besides, his having lost all his cus- 
tomers. 

Bitter were his thoughts as the men conveyed 
him on board the cutter, and then took the dis- 
abled Mermaid in tow. The boat was very dear 
to Ned, and for a time he gazed intently upon 
her. He had sailed in her for many years, but 
now they were both crippled and disfigured. 

Upon the arrival of the party on shore Hormby 
was given up to the authorities first and then 
afterwards transferred to a hospital, where his 
injuries were attended to. 

After Ned's capture and the death of Atkins, 
the revenue officers once more commenced their 
usual work of destroying the implements used by 
the two men in the cave for “stilling." 

When Ned had sufficiently recovered from his 
injuries he was tried for violating the law, in 
manufacturing and selling “moonshine whiskey"; 
a heavy penalty was imposed upon him, which he 
was unable to pay, therefore he was sent to jail, 
from where, in course of time, he emerged a 
sadder and a wiser man. 

After Ned had been sent to prison, Annie, his 
wife, had taken up her abode with one of her 


ALECK HORMBY. 89 

brothers, who lived close to Darnley, while Aleck 
Hormby determined to leave the place. 

The term for which he had been engaged as 
teacher had expired, and it was again vacation. 

Having made up his mind with regard to leav- 
ing Darnley it did not take him long to make 
preparations; his few things were soon packed 
together, and he was ready to depart. Annie 
Hormby was very despondent at the prospect of 
their separation. She embraced Aleck tenderly 
as they parted at the garden gate, and did not 
return into the house until Aleck was out of 
sight. 


CHAPTER XL 


When Aleck left Darnley he decided to try his 
fortune in Philadelphia. 

On arriving at the ancient city of brotherly 
love he paid his first visit to Germantown. 

Taking a car at the Broad street depot he soon 
arrived at his destination. 

In the midst of large grounds stood a venerable 
looking brick building, on whose trim gate was 
a large brass sign, with “Seminary for Young 
Ladies” engraved thereon. 

Entering the grounds, Aleck proceeded to the 
front door, rang the bell, and then inquired for 
Miss Nellie Small. 

A smart maid servant ushered him into a small 
parlor, and then announced, “Mr. Aleck Hormby, 
to visit Miss Small.” 

Miss Small left the school room and went 
down into the parlor, the cynosure of all the 
young ladies’ eyes in the establishment. 

After the maid had announced Miss Small, she 
closed the parlor door. 


ALECK HORMEY. 


91 


Nellie took a glad, bright look at Aleck, then 
they both rushed instinctively forward, and were 
locked in each other's arms in a warm embrace. 

“My Nellie,” exclaimed Aleck. 

“Oh, Aleck! Dear Aleck," said Nellie, “how 
glad I am to see you.” 

Then Aleck handed her some presents, which 
had been sent from home, and also a small locket 
which he had purchased for her. Nellie's eyes 
glistened as she examined her presents. 

She exclaimed: “Splendid; what beauties; oh, I 
am so glad.” 

Aleck replied: “I am also delighted to see you 
so well pleased with them.” 

The excitement of their meeting being over, 
Nellie proceeded to the sanctum of the principal 
in order to beg leave for a half-day's holiday. The 
permit being graciously accorded, Nellie and 
Aleck left the premises to take a walk. 

“What direction shall we take, Nellie?” said 
Aleck. 

“Suppose we take a stroll in Fairmount Park?” 
Nellie replied. 

The youthful lovers gladly wended their way, 
side by side, to that noted Philadelphia resort, 
taking a light lunch with them. Selecting a sylvan 
glen, by the side of the rippling Wissahickon 


ALECK HORMBY. 


92 

Creek, they sit down under the shade of the tall 
trees. Here Nellie takes off her gloves and they 
partake of their lunch with great delight, think- 
ing it a feast fit for the gods. 

After doing justice to the lunch they con- 
tentedly wander about the park, Nellie giving an 
account of the school and her companions; how 
Miss So and So is this, and Miss So and So 
that; their parties, charades, dances, etc., and how 
she detests Latin, German, and ancient history. 

“What do they want cramming our brains with 
nonsense about Alexander the Great, Pompey, 
Darius, Julius Caesar, and a lot of other tiresome 
persons who lived and died thousands of years 
ago?” said Nellie, shrugging her shoulders. “I 
think it would have been far better if some of 
their actions had been buried with them, instead 
of having them preserved to confuse our memo- 
ries; and, besides, I cannot for the life of me see 
why my parents should have sent me all this dis- 
tance, and away from home, as well, to learn such 
stuff.” 

“It is certainly a most extraordinary thing,” 
replied Aleck, “and I think we are both well 
aware that this was not their motive in sending 
you here. However, all is well that ends well, and 
here we are together again, in spite of all obsta- 


ALECK HORMBY. 


93 


cles. I suppose you were somewhat surprised at 
my turning up in Philadelphia so unexpectedly 
this morning, and perhaps you will think it 
strange that I selected this city; but somehow or 
other fate led me here; I wanted to be near you, 
and where I could see you occasionally.” 

Thus the hours pass away until it is time for 
Nellie to return. 

“Have you had a pleasant afternoon?” asked 
Aleck, as they rose from their seats beneath the 
trees. 

“A very, very happy one,” replied Nellie. 

They now leave the park, and, arm in arm, 
return along Germantown avenue to the semi- 
nary. 

It was scarcely nine o'clock when they arrived 
at the gate, where they stood chatting until a 
neighboring church clock struck that hour; then 
Aleck took his departure for the night. 

The young ladies of the seminary were on the 
watch for Nellie's return, whom they quizzed 
unmercifully when she made her appearance. 
They vowed that neither she nor they should go to 
bed until Nellie stood treat, and had quite a merry 
time before they retired for the night. 

Aleck walked along a handsome street for 
about a mile after leaving Nellie; then turning off 


94 ALECK HORMBY. 

into one of the numerous streets which branched 
of from this busy thoroughfare he began to look 
for a place to spend the night. 

By this time Aleck had become very tired and 
wished for rest. 

Finally he stopped at a decent-looking house 
where there was a card in the window with 
“Rooms to rent” thereon; then knocking at the 
door he inquired if he could be accommodated for 
the night. 

The lady of the place conducted him into a 
room at the back of the house, asked him if he 
needed any refreshments, and being answered in 
the negative, withdrew. 

The other boarders had all evidently retired for 
the night. 

His room was a very comfortable one and 
nicely furnished. Aleck sank into a rocking chair, 
thinking over the events of the day, and then 
retired. 

In the morning, after partaking of breakfast at 
the same place, he went down town with the 
intention of visiting some of the noted places. His 
first call was at the State House. 

Here the old cracked liberty bell was examined, 
the relics of by-gone colonial days were carefully 
gone over; then he took a stroll on Chestnut and 


ALECK HORMBY. 


95 


Eighth streets, being somewhat amazed at the 
magnificence of the stores and places of business 
he passed thereon. 

In the afternoon he visited the Zoological Gar- 
dens, which was something new and a great treat 
to him ; and in the evening the lower or city part 
of Fairmount Park. 

He was greatly surprised at the magnificence 
of all he saw around him. He took a seat on one 
of the numerous benches placed there for the 
accommodation of visitors, scanning the gay 
equipages and merry groups of pedestrians as 
they passed. After a short rest he noticed quite 
a crowd of people making for a landing stage, at 
which in a short time there drew up a small 
steamer. 

Aleck’s love for the water soon showed itself, 
and he at once joined them. 

On inquiry he found that the boat plyed on the 
Schuylkill, between Fairmount Park and Wis- - 
sahickon. Going on board, the little boat soon 
cast off, with quite a lot of pleasure seekers on 
her; then the band began to play as Aleck walked 
on deck, where he noticed the lovers indulging 
tenderly in sweet discourse, or partaking freely of 
lager beer. 

When they arrived at Wissahickon the parties 


96 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


all left the boat and went ashore into a pleasure 
garden. In this place the ladies and gentlemen 
seemed for the most part to have the same object 
in view, but were infinitely less sentimental in its 
pursuit. Lager beer was again apparently the 
favorite beverage, with whiskey and cigars a close 
second. 

Aleck found the scenery here delightful; there 
was also a good band with superb vocalists to 
listen to, so he stayed, enjoying himself, until 
quite late. 

As the little boat glided back down the lazy 
Schuylkill the clocks round about struck eleven. 

It was a lovely evening. 

The soft mellow moonlight shone through the 
drowsy haze that hung to the river, illuminating 
the scenery with a rich, golden light, while the 
gentle western wind, laden with the sweet per- 
fume of the woods, added to their joy and bright- 
ness. The air was full with the hum of the many 
voices and the merry music of laughter. 

Aleck again stayed at the same place where he 
had slept the previous night. 

On the following morning he arose early; he 
had not rested very well. 

The mosquitoes had been voracious during the 
darkness, and at daylight the flies were almost as 


ALECK HORMBY. 97 

bad, giving him no peace ; so at last he decided to 
leave them in full possession of the room. 

He took breakfast at a restaurant close by, and 
then walked on towards Market street, where he 
had decided to commence his work in search of 
employment. 

He had not proceeded very far before he was 
accosted by a rather shabby-looking young man, 
who asked him for sufficient funds to procure a 
breakfast. 

The stranger started out with the usual rigma- 
role used by such mendicants, in saying that he 
had not had anything to eat for several days. 
Aleck, who was unsophisticated, and as yet rather 
green in city ways, said to himself: “Why, bless 
me, the man must be starving.” 

He at once replied: “Come along with me and 
I will see that you have something to eat.” 

They soon after came to another restaurant, 
where, when Aleck desired the stranger to take 
his breakfast, he was somewhat surprised by the 
fellow refusing to enter the place, and coolly ask- 
ing him for fifteen cents instead, saying at the 
same time: “I know where, not far from here, I 
can get a much better meal for the money.” 

“All right,” said Aleck, “I think I can eat a 


98 


ALECK HORMBYi 


little more breakfast myself, and am willing to 
accompany you there.” 

The young men then walked a little farther 
down town. 

“Where do you come from?” said Aleck, 
addressing the stranger, “and how is it that you 
are in your present difficulty?” The fellow named 
a distant town, and then informed Aleck that he 
had only been released from the penitentiary a 
few days previously. 

“What is your business, or occupation, and 
why were you sent there?” asked Aleck. 

By this time they had arrived at a building, on 
the outside of which was a sign with “Warm 
lunch, day and night” painted thereon. 

The stranger said: “Come along; here is the 
place.” 

On entering, he at once ordered two lunches 
and two beers. 

Aleck was a little taken by surprise at his com- 
panion’s coolness, but the latter remarked: “Oh, 
never mind, we’ll get two lunches here, and you 
g*et one beer to my two for your fifteen cents.” 

Aleck mused for a short time as his companion 
devoured his lunch and drank his beer. 

“Well,” thought he, “it is too early for me to go 
around yet, the places of business will not be 


ALECK HORMBY. 


99 


open for some time, and I may as well learn what 
I can about this vagabond; perhaps I shall get 
the value of my fifteen cents. ,, 

When the beggar had finished his lunch and 
beer he was very profuse in his thanks to Aleck, 
pouring forth blessings without number, and 
with a sort of smile on his face, said to Aleck: 
“Let me see, you wanted to know a little of my 
history, and why I was sent to the penitentiary. 
But, stranger, talking is mighty dry work, so 
please make it another beer before I start.” 

“All right,” said Aleck, “your story must be an 
interesting one and worth another nickel at least, 
so get another glass of beer.” 


CHAPTER XII. 


“It is a most extraordinary thing that you 
should wish me to tell you my history/' began the 
young man, “for although I have often heard it 
recounted in other places, this is the first time any 
one has wished me to give my own version of the 
affair. 

“My name they used to tell me when I was a 
boy was George Smith. But who gave me that 
name I do not remember; though I am pretty 
sure it was not my godfather and godmother in 
my baptism. 

“I was born somewhere in England, but the 
exact place is not chronicled in any English his- 
tory. 

“The first thing I can remember is a circus, in 
which, I think, my father and mother were both 
performers. My parents both partook freely of 
the flowing bowl, so freely in fact that at an early 
date in my history they left me an orphan. 

“I am sure you will agree with me that this was 
not a very enviable position to be left in. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


IOI 


“The other members of the company, however, 
took compassion on me, and my. earliest recollec- 
tions are of the sawdust ring. 

“My youthful companions all developed them- 
selves as experts in dancing upon rolling casks, 
bare-back riding, jumping through rings, catch- 
ing knives and balls, walking the tight rope, or 
something else which pleased the public, and 
filled the exchequer of the owner. They were all 
mighty clever and knowing in their way, and 
although not over clean and tidy in private life, 
still, no doubt, did the best they^ could under the 
circumstances. 

“We traveled about from place to place in 
caravans, and my endowments consisted chiefly 
in having an enormous appetite and a general 
hatred for work of any kind. 

“One night, after performing at one of the 
towns in the county of Lancashire, where I had 
covered myself with ignominy and drawn forth 
the censure of the owner and ring manager sev- 
eral times during the performance, I heard the 
owner say: ‘D — n that boy, we shall have to get 
rid of him/ 

“So I suppose they settled the matter that way, 
for the day following, when we stopped on the 
roadside to partake of our mid-day meal, which 


1 02 


ALECK HORMBY. 


was eaten in gypsy fashion, the manager threw a 
plate over the hedge, at the same time ordering 
me to crawl through and fetch it; while I was 
doing this the party drove off at full speed. 

"Having found the plate I quickly crawled 
back through the hedge and shouted for the com- 
pany to wait for me, but they took no notice of my 
entreaties, and only drove away the faster. 

"Thus, at the tender age of eleven years, I was 
thrown upon my own resources; my only fortune 
a plate, and that v/ith nothing to eat thereon. 

"I ran as far as I could after them, and then sat 
down by the roadside to rest. 

"I cried until I fell asleep. 

"On awakening I took a look around me. Vast 
moors stretched out on every hand, east, west, 
north, south. There were large mountains in the 
distance, but not a sign of house or habitation in 
sight. I struck out on the road, following the 
direction in which the caravans had gone. 

"Night came on, and as it grew dark I found I 
was hopelessly lost and in close proximity to a 
large body of water. I waded into it over my 
shoe tops before I was aware of it, and then had 
sense enough to turn around. Toiling back to 
the top of the hill, I climbed a wall and then nar- 
rowly escaped dropping into a deserted stone 


ALECK HORMBY. 


103 


quarry. Following the safe side of the wall in an 
opposite direction to the water and quarry I soon 
found myself wading knee deep in the mountain 
heather. Coming to a large bowlder I lay down, 
put the plate which I had carried with me down 
beside me, and, covering myself with the heather, 
was soon fast asleep. I wakened several times 
during the night and perceived the stars twink- 
ling above me. The heather was dry and still 
warm, for it was in summer. 

“Worn out with my wanderings of the previous 
day, it was broad daylight when I finally awoke. 
Picking a lot of blackberries for breakfast I again 
continued my journey. 

“As the day advanced it became terribly hot, 
while the spreading moors were still around me. 
I walked for a long time, and was almost over- 
powered with fatigue when, in the distance in the 
valley, I saw a large, red brick house. 

“Then a farmer in his wagon drove quickly 
past ; while in the pastures around me were cows 
and sheep. 

“I was quite as hungry and thirsty as I was this 
morning when I met you. 

“Struggling on I soon came to the grounds of 
the house. Opening a gate I saw an elderly gen- 
tleman walking around, accompanied by a large 


104 


ALECK HORMBY. 


mastiff. The dog came bounding towards me, 
evincing a desire to make a meal of me, but was 
called off by his master. 

“The old bloke then gruffly asked me what I 
wanted around there; and when I told him that 
I was almost famished and wished he would give 
me something to eat he sternly bade me begone, 
as he wanted no young vagabonds around his 
premises, at the same time saying, Tf I was not 
quick about it his dog should make short work of 
me/ 

“I needed no further instructions, but quickly 
decamped. 

“I once more set out on my travels. I walked 
a great distance, and then heard a clock strike 
twelve; turning in the direction of the sound I 
saw a village school. The road upon which I had 
been traveling now joined the main road. Human 
life and human voices were near, so I struggled 
on. As I walked on the road during the morning 
I cut a stout stick from one of the hedges to help 
me on my way. I now thought if people will not 
give me something to eat I must endeavor to see 
what my accomplishments will produce. 

“Sharpening my stick to a point I walked on to 
the bottom of the lane, where a lot of youngsters 
about my own age were rushing pell mell from 


ALECK HORMBY. 


105 

the village school. Balancing my plate upon the 
top of the stick I soon had it spinning around, 
then throwing it in the air caught it again, sur- 
prising them with my performance. One of the 
boys asked me to go home with him to display my 
ability to his father. Conducting me to a neigh- 
boring ale house, I went through the same per- 
formance for the edification of the boy's father 
and a few of his drunken cronies. This gave me, 
however, what I much needed, my dinner, from 
the owner, also a few stray coppers from his cus- 
tomers. 

“I inquired for my companions as I passed 
through the village, but could discover no trace 
of them. I rambled on again for a few hours, 
my feet paining me terribly; then turning off 
from the high road I entered a field and laid down 
under a hedge to sleep. Before long I was up 
again and on my way. 

“Passing through another village as night came 
on I purchased some bread and cheese with my 
coppers, and once more made my bed on the 
heath. But my rest this night was broken; the 
air was chilly, the ground damp ; then a thunder- 
storm came on, the rain descended in torrents, 
and I was drenched to the skin. I moved about 


io6 


ALECK HORMBY. 


several times in the darkness, but was compelled 
to lie down again on the wet grass. 

“It rained all the following day. 

“After walking most part of the day in my 
wet clothing I felt as if my strength was failing 
me, and that I could not go much farther. The 
pangs of hunger were painful, and as I dragged 
my wearied, blistered feet along I was afraid I 
should sink on the cold, saturated ground and die. 

“At last I dropped down thoroughly exhausted. 

“Covering my face with my hands I shut out 
the dreadful sight. Soon, however, I was up on 
my feet again, for I was too terror stricken to lie 
still. As it grew dusk the wind fell, the rain passed 
over, and in the distance I perceived a light. 

“Crawling on towards it I found it to be from a 
farm house. 

“Peeping through the window I saw several 
persons in the kitchen sitting around the hearth 
before the dull red glow of a wood fire. I was too 
much afraid, after my previous experience with 
the gentleman and dog, to knock for admission, 
so I climbed to the top of one of the hay stacks 
and slept. 

“Here, covering myself with the hay, I was at 
last dry and warm. 

“When the day broke I stole out from my place 


ALECK HORMBY. I(>7 

of concealment, and once more took to the wet, 
toilsome, country road. 

“I had not gone very far before I found I was 
again lost; for the road ended in a marsh, which 
it was impossible for me to cross. Not caring now 
in what direction I went I struck across the fields, 
climbing over walls and through hedges. 

“Once more gaining the road I tramped along 
until a farmer, seated in his wagon, overtook me. 

“Stopping his horse he looked earnestly at me 
and then asked me where I was going. I 
answered anywhere. 

“ 'Oh, that’s a queer place/ said the farmer. 
'G’e it a name, an’ I will tak’ thee theer if it is on 
my way/ Then taking me by the hand he said: 
'Jump up, youngster.’ 

“This was a great help to me, for I was so 
fatigued that I could scarcely walk. He then 
began to question me, and I gave him a short 
account of my destitute circumstances. 

“We shortly afterwards arrived at a small 
market town, where the farmer having finished 
his business, we both partook of a good dinner. 

“He then proposed that I should return home 
with him and help on the farm. To this proposi- 
tion I gladly consented; so we then took our 
departure. The sun was setting when we reached 


108 ALECK HORMBY. 

the farm. Giving me some clean underwear, and 
a suit of clothing belonging to one of his boys, 
he sent me to take a bath, burnt my old clothing, 
gave me my supper, then sent me to bed. 

“The following morning the household were all 
astir by four o’clock. After breakfast the farmer 
took me into the garden, telling me that, owing to 
the condition of my feet, he would give me an 
easy job that day. He then pulled up some weeds 
and told me to do the same for a time. I set to 
work, and when he came at noon to see what 
progress I had made I had a large pile of them 
ready for inspection. Unfortunately, however, 
in my ignorance I had pulled up as many valuable 
plants as weeds, which made the farmer furious. 
Calling his wife, he showed her my skill in weed- 
ing, and then asked her to show me how to feed 
the pigs, poultry and cattle. 

“We then sat down to dinner, where I gorged 
myself to the full. 

“Then taking me to a barn the farmer showed 
me how to operate a straw cutter, and told me to 
cut some for the cattle. After he had gone I felt 
drowsy, and thought what a nice place the straw 
would make for taking a nap on. So down I went 
into it, and when the farmer returned, some two 


ALECK HORMBY. IO9 

hours after, he found me fast asleep in the straw, 
with very little of it cut. 

"On the following day it was the same. 

"He gave me some work after dinner, caution- 
ing me not to fall asleep. I promised not to do so, 
but my drowsiness again mastered me. When I 
awoke the farmer, his wife, the servants and all 
the farm help were standing over me laughing. 
The -farmer pulled me out of the straw, set me on 
my feet, and gave me a good shaking-. Then call- 
ing me a lazy dog, not worth my salt, he gave me 
a shilling and bade me begone. 

"I was very glad when he gave me the shilling, 
as I preferred it far more than I did his work. 

"I took my supper, and slept at a roadside 
tavern that night. 

"I awoke early the next morning, for during 
the whole night I had been restless, dreaming of 
the occurrences of the previous day. It was just 
daylight as I went down stairs. I wondered how 
I could procure my breakfast. 

"Opening the door of one of the rooms to see 
if I could find anything to eat, I was surprised to 
find a lot of gypsies drinking. 

"They must have been at it pretty hard all 
night, for all but two, and the landlord, were 
asleep in their chairs. One of these, whom I after- 


no 


ALECK HORMBY. 


wards found out to be the chief, called me in and 
asked me to drink their health, at the same time 
he handed me a pot of porter. 

“Nothing loth, I took a hearty swig, which 
made the fellow wince. 

“He then asked me a few questions, and then 
said, ‘Follow me.’ 

“Calling his companions by saying, ‘Come, 
boys, it is time we were in camp/ they hurried 
off, taking me with them. 

“After partaking of a good breakfast, consist- 
ing of rabbit stew, which a neighboring gentle- 
man had kindly provided us with gratis, we struck 
our tents and departed. 

“My new friends had a Punch and Judy box, a 
small circus, and other shows, while some of the 
ladies told fortunes. 

“My abilities were soon brought into requisi- 
tion by these people, and I was soon disporting 
myself to the music of pan pipes and drum. I 
stayed with these people several months, until 
the weather got too cold for camping in tents, and 
then had to seek fresh pastures. 

“Passing through a town one day shortly after- 
wards a cop hauled me before a magistrate for 
begging. 

“The magistrate asked me what I was doing 


ALECK HORMBY. 


Ill 


begging, when I courteously asked him if he 
wished me to steal. 'No, no, my boy/ replied he, 
'if you wish to be honest come with me, and I 
think I can find you employment/ 

"The magistrate was an apothecary, owning a 
drug store in the same town. He at once installed 
me in his shop as chief bottle washer and delivery 
boy, also instructing me how to write messages 
and take charge of the store during his absence. 
This engagement did not last very long, however, 
for I made such inroads on the candy department 
that my master swore I would soon eat him out 
of house and home 

"Being once more cast adrift I wandered to 
Liverpool, where I soon became acquainted with 
a boy about my own age, whose name was Tim 
Holt. Tim and I were firm friends and insepara- 
ble companions for several years. 

"He was a genius in his way, and an adept at 
his kind of work. On the first day of our acquaint- 
ance he offered to take me as his apprentice. Our 
work consisted chiefly in selling matches and 
newspapers, blacking boots, carrying parcels, 
running errands, or anything else at which we 
could earn an honest penny. 

"Whenever work of this kind became scarce 
we prowled around the docks, where we used to 


1 12 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


find large quantities of brass castings, lead pipe, 
old iron, carpenters’ tools and such articles. 

“These we used to sell to the junk dealers, who 
knew very well how we procured them, but dis- 
creetly asked no questions. 

“When the police made it too hot for us to stay 
around the docks any longer we transferred our 
operations to the crowded streets of the city. 
Here we found gloves, handkerchiefs, mufflers, 
tickers, and purses. 

“At night we slept in empty barrels, unfinished 
houses, on the two-penny rope, or in tramps’ 
lodging houses. Sometimes when we were flush 
in funds we patronized the sailors’ homes, where 
we lived like lords. 

“But one day — one day, as the poets say — we 
came to grief. 

“Tim and I were working an old gentleman for 
his muffler and gloves, which hung conveniently 
out of his overcoat pockets, when a lady close to 
us gave the alarm. A burly bobby placed his 
massive paws on us and marched us off to limbo. 

“But say, mate, this is mighty dry work talk- 
ing; can’t I have another glass of beer? 

“Ah ! All right ! Thanks. The clapper works a 
little easier after it has been oiled. 

“The morning following we were taken before 


ALECK HORMBY. 


113 


a magistrate, and Tim, being an old offender, was 
committed to the assizes, where he was sent for 
five years afterwards on board a training ship to 
correct his manners, and I have never heard from 
him since. 

'This being my first offense — I mean the first 
time in which I was caught — the magistrate sen- 
tenced me to durance vile for thirty days; at the 
same time he gave me a good lecture and 
informed me that if I ever came before him again 
I should be sent up, too. 

“I thanked the beak, assuring him that I did 
not come to him that time, as I was brought forci- 
bly, and hoped that I should never see his face 
again. 

"On arriving at the place where I had to 
sojourn for the next thirty days they set me to 
treading a staircase, and work as hard as I could, 
and I can assure you I never worked more assidu- 
ously in all my life — from early morning to dewy 
eve I could never reach the top to rest and take a 
view around me. Tread, tread, tread, all day 
long, while it seemed to me as if I finished off just 
where I started, with all my labor in vain. 

"Sundays an old cove in a white surplice used 
to lecture us about amending our sinful lives. 1 


1 14 ALECK HORMBx. 

used to wish the old bloke would mend the pain- 
ful tone of my stomach. 

“When my thirty days of tramping were over, 
and I was once more at liberty, I was informed 
that the United States of America was a veritable 
gold mine to any one possessing my abilities, and 
I at once determined to cross the pond. 

“But how was I to do this? 

“The empty state of my exchequer held forth 
no prospect of my being able to pay my passage 
across the ocean, so I tried several times to get a 
chance to work my way over. 

“Fate was against me, for all my endeavors 
proved failures. 

“Then I tried to smuggle myself on board, but 
here again for a long time I was unsuccessful. 

“At last one night as I was prowling around the 
docks I spied the captain of the Victoria and 
Albert, which was to sail the following day, mak- 
ing towards his vessel with a parcel under his 
arm, half seas over. 

“Proposing to carry his bundle on board for 
him my offer was immediately accepted. When I 
had deposited it on the table in his cabin he threw 
a shilling at me, gave me a glass of grog, and told 
me to make myself scarce. Instead of doing this 


ALECK HORMBY. 


115 

I stole down into the hold of the vessel and crept 
among a lot of barrels and boxes. 

“The tub must have been built just after 
Noah’s Ark, for it was overrun with rats and in a 
leaky condition. After I had been down below 
what seemed to me about a year, I was compelled 
to sally forth in search of nourishment. 

“When I was conducted into the presence of 
the captain he was furious, and threatened to 
throw me overboard. He mitigated his sen- 
tence, however, into giving me a good thrashing, 
and then ordered me to be off and try to help the 
sailors in their work. 

“We had then been about three days at sea. 

“About a week after this — for I kept no reckon- 
ing of time, a terrible storm came upon us, which 
dismasted the vessel, and for two whole weeks we 
were rolling about in the ocean, for we were very 
heavily laden. 

“At last we rigged up jury masts, but unfortu- 
nately we soon after encountered another storm, 
which carried these also over the side. Soon 
afterwards one night we came into collision with 
another vessel, which almost cut us in two. The 
stranger, instead of standing by us, sheered off in 
the darkness. We had now no resource left but to 
get into the boats and take our chances in them. 


Il6 ALECK HORMBY. 

‘The ship settled so fast that we had no time 
to take any provisions or water on board, while 
the sea ran so high that the boats soon parted 
company. Our boat had not been clear of the 
ship very long before we found we could not 
make any head against the wind and swell. 

“Towards night the following day the wind 
lulled, and there was every appearance of fine 
weather coming on, but we had nothing to eat, 
no water, and were quite exhausted. 

“We did the best we could during the night, 
but when the sun rose it scorched us. 

“The following day most of us were laid in the 
bottom of the boat, dying from thirst and hunger. 

“Then the sky clouded over and a heavy rain 
fell, which refreshed us. We caught what water 
we could, and all drank until our thirst was 
quenched ; still we were all terribly hungry. 

“The morning after I perceived whisperings 
and pointings at me, and I thought my time had 
arrived for handing in my checks. Then one of 
the men began to sharpen his knife on the side of 
the boat and came aft to where I lay. 

“I was too weak to complain, and never stirred. 

“Just as he raised his arm to strike me I rolled 
over, and then some one cried, ‘A sail!’ 

“We shouted, hoisted a signal of distress, then 


ALECK HORMBY. 117 

shook hands and pulled at the oars as we never 
pulled before. 

“The vessel, which proved to be ‘A liner/ and 
bound for New York, took us on board, carefully 
attended to our miseries, and soon after deposited 
us in that city. 

“I was very thankful for my narrow escape, 
and resolved never to try my fortune again on the 
great deep. 

“My first experience in New York was as a 
'printer's devil,' where I can assure you I did not 
stay very long. Then I tried my hand at painting, 
brick laying, and stone cutting. 

“One night, when I was taking my supper at a 
restaurant, at the table at which I sat a good look- 
ing, elderly personage sat opposite to me, who 
seemed to divide his attention between his soup 
and the newspaper. 

“His general appearance was of the shabby- 
genteel order. 

“The clothing he wore had evidently been 
made of costly material, and fitted him well, but 
was in a state of wild decay. His linen was not 
immaculate, and looked as if it would be all the 
better if it paid a visit to the laundry. This he 
explained later on in the evening, when we got 
more convivial, by informing me that the most 


n8 


ALECK HORMBY. 


prominent parts of them were composed of cellu- 
loid, and that he had been too busy to 'get them 
up’ that day. 

"But, although his clothing was rather shiny, 
he did not seem to be short of money. He asked 
me several questions regarding my occupation, 
and where I was putting up. On finishing our 
supper we rambled forth together on the Bowery, 
and called at several other places, where my new- 
found friend stood treat all evening like a brick. 

"Towards midnight he asked me to partake of 
his hospitality that night, unless I preferred stay- 
ing on Fifth avenue. 

"On consenting to oblige him we turned off 
the Bowery, when he conducted me to a rather 
dilapidated-looking house and up a rickety stair- 
case. Entering a room we sat down, when he 
proposed that we take a night-cap. 

"Taking a pitcher for that purpose he went out 
to procure some beer, leaving me in the room. It 
was fairly well furnished, but, like its owner, 
showed unmistakable evidence of being the worse 
for wear. 

"When he returned we continued our conver- 
sation, drinking more beer and smoking cigars. 
He then took a check from his pocket and showed 
me how, by using chemicals — the nature of which 


ALECK HORMBY. 


119 

he kindly explained to me — he could make the 
check assume a more respectable appearance. 
He then proposed my becoming his partner on 
equal terms; his part of the work to be confined 
to procuring and raising the checks; mine in the 
disposing of them. 

“I told him I would consider the matter over 
and give him my answer to his proposition in the 
morning. 

“We then retired to rest. 

“During the night I reflected upon the splendid 
accommodation, the bill of fare, light work and 
freedom furnished in her gracious Majesty's free 
boarding houses, and had no desire to make the 
acquaintance of those furnished by the authori- 
ties of this glorious republic. 

“My new-found friend was not evidently an 
early riser; so in the morning I arose, dressed 
myself as quietly as possible, and took my depar- 
ture without bidding him good-bye. 

“I jumped on a street car and spent a nickel in 
increasing the distance between us, as far as possi- 
ble for that amount. 

“I then took breakfast and made the distance a 
little more by walking. 

“Going to a suburban station I boarded a train 
and waited in the toilet room until the conductor 


120 


ALECK HORMBY. 


had gone through the car. Walking up the aisle 
I noticed an emigrant fast asleep. I relieved him 
of his pass, which was conveniently placed in his 
hat, and moved on into the smoking car. This 
pass carried me to the coal mining and oil districts 
of Pennsylvania, where for some time I worked 
in the mines. Then the spirit of unrest again 
overcame me and I went out to California, where 
I visited the gold mines. 

“I afterwards worked in the silver districts of 
Nebraska and the Black Hills, and finally drifted 
back east to Philadelphia. Here I soon procured 
w r ork as a stone cutter; but, unfortunately, one 
Saturday night my employer paid me two weeks' 
wages by check. 

“It was decoration day the following Monday, 
and somehow or other the figures on the check, 
which I got cashed, did not tally exactly with 
those on the stub; so the police unceremoniously 
awoke me one night and furnished me with fresh 
quarters. I honestly assure you that I have no 
recollection of raising the check, which fact I also 
communicated to the police; besides this, the cali- 
graphy did not in the least resemble mine, being 
all blurred and looking very much as if it had 
been performed with a stick, there being also large 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


121 


drops of tallow thereon, as if dropped from a 
candle. 

“The authorities, however, refused to accept 
my version of the affair, and sent me out to the 
penitentiary. 

“I worked out my time some few days ago, and 
here I am. 

“And now, mate, having finished my story, I 
hope you will stand treat once more, for talking is 
mighty dry work/' 

“Oh, no, my friend, I think you have had quite 
sufficient for this morning, and must be off ; but 
here is a dollar for you; do not spend it on beer; 
so good-bye.” 


CHAPTER XIII. 


It being now close upon nine o’clock, Aleck 
started out on his search for work. 

He visited store after store all day long, and 
tried to get a situation as clerk in a merchant’s 
office, or as accountant, or bookkeeper, or some- 
thing of that kind. But he could not persuade 
any of the proprietors or managers of his capacity 
for such work; and, tired out and down-hearted, 
he retired early to rest. 

The following day it was the same; he walked 
about from store to factory, from warehouse to 
mill, but met with no success. 

As he was going down Ridge avenue in the 
afternoon he stopped in front of a window in 
which were displayed a lot of cards with book- 
keeper wanted, clerk wanted, teamster wanted, 
cook wanted, and so on. 

He now thought he had got to the end of his 
troubles, and entered. 

He found himself in a carpeted room, with sev- 
eral other persons therein, all seated around on 


ALECK HORMBY. 


123 


chairs, but failed to notice anything new in his 
appearance which should cause them all to laugh 
so. 

Seated behind a desk and wire screen were a 
woman and man, who were evidently the pro- 
prietors. The woman was trying to pacify a young 
lady, seemingly about twenty years of age, who 
was crying and begging for the return of some of 
her money, which had been promised in the event 
of their not securing her a position as governess. 

At the other end of the screen a scene of a dif- 
ferent kind was being enacted. Here was a young 
man who had been caught the same way. He had 
paid down his ten dollars, for which he held a 
receipt, and also a written guarantee to find him 
a position as bookkeeper in one month, or refund 
half the money. 

As Aleck entered he was addressing the man, 
calling him a “Thieving old rascal. ,, “You may 
think you caught a poor sucker when you landed 
me, but, although I am a stranger in this country, 
I have a place at which I am earning good money, 
and have lots of it; see! and, by George, if you do 
not hand me that five dollars back right now I 
will spend ten times the amount in advertising 
your contemptible manner in treating people in 
all the papers in Philadelphia. Come, no dallying; 


124 


ALECK HORMBY. 


out with that five dollars or I am off to fulfil my 
threat/’ 

The proprietor found that this time he caught 
a tartar. He handed the man half of his money 
back, and as he did so Aleck discreetly withdrew. 

Thus day after day passed away, and Aleck’s 
prospects grew no brighter. 

Then one afternoon he secured a position as 
clerk in a country store in Western Philadelphia. 

He was to be paid $20 salary per month, with 
board, at the commencement, with a promise of 
more salary if his services proved satisfactory. 

He boarded in a tavern at first, but not liking 
either mine host or his quarters he, with a fellow 
clerk, resolved to rent a small cottage, and the 
two kept “Bachelors’ Hall” 

The village was situated on the side of a hill, 
at the foot of which ran a stream of sufficient size 
and power to turn a grist and saw-mill. The vil- 
lage proper contained about six hundred inhab- 
itants, and was named Brooklands. 

The two young men furnished the cottage well 
enough for their needs, and here Aleck spent close 
upon two long years. 

One Sunday afternoon as the two young men 
were lazily enjoying themselves swinging in ham- 
mocks and reading, in the woods behind their cot- 


ALECK HORMBY. 


125 


tage, a neighbor came along and addressing them, 
said: "My friends, are you aware the Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad intends building through Brook- 
lands, and that the line will run through both your 
lot and mine? Tis a fact, sure. 

"I bought and paid for my lot yesterday, and I 
advise you to keep mum and do the same by yours 
to-morrow.” 

The young men arose with alacrity the follow- 
ing morning and never rested until they had the 
deed for the land in their possession. 

That very evening as the parties were admiring 
their newly acquired property, they were some- 
what surprised to find a stranger walking towards 
them. They advanced to meet him, and at the 
cottage door he addressed Aleck: "Good evening, 
Mr. Hormby, how are you?” said he. 

Aleck looked hard at the stranger for some 
time, and then answered: "You have the advan- 
tage of me, for I do not remember ever having 
met you before.” 

"What, not remember the reprobate you met 
in Philadelphia one summer morning nearly two 
years ago,” said he. "I am that self-same George 
Smith, however; though I must be greatly 
changed, since you fail to recognize me.” 

Aleck did not evince much of a desire to renew 


126 


ALECK HORMBY. 


the acquaintance, when the stranger blurted out: 
“Oh, you needn't be afraid of me, I am not the 
small-pox, besides, I have also lived a different life 
since I left you that morning, and am now, as 
you may notice from my changed appearance, 
in different circumstances." 

Aleck, who was still skeptical, then said: “What 
are you doing now?" 

“I am now a surveyor for the Pennsylvania 
Railway, and that is what brings me here, to take 
a bird’s-eye view of your property." 

On gaining this information, Aleck warmly 
shook him by the hand, and invited him into the 
cottage. He then asked Smith to partake of 
refreshments, which that gentleman declined, say- 
ing: “I have just had supper at one of the village 
hotels." 

“Then perhaps you could drink a bottle of 
beer?" said Aleck. 

“No, thank you, I have never tasted beer since 
the day I saw you last in Philadelphia. After you 
left me that morning I resolved to lead a different 
life. Instead of spending the dollar you gave me 
for drink I took care of it and made it go as far 
as possible. Soon after you left me I made the 
acquaintance of one of our road’s surveyors, who 
engaged me as his assistant. Then, after serving 


ALECK HORMBY. 


127 


a year with him, I was promoted to my present 
position, and here I am, both glad and proud to 
renew our friendship.” 

Aleck then introduced Smith to his companion, 
who invited him to take a cigar, which Smith 
accepted. 

Then he asked for a drink of water, which 
Aleck’s companion had to fetch from a neighbor’s 
pump, nearly a quarter of a mile distant. 

While he was away Aleck explained to Smith 
that there was a spring of water on their property, 
but that it was not good, and all their water for 
drinking and cooking they had to carry from a 
neighbor’s. But that does not trouble us much, 
for we take a couple of pails as we go to our work 
in the morning and when we return at night 
bring them back full. For other purposes, such 
as washing, cleaning, and the garden, the spring 
water answers.” 

After Smith had appeased his thirst the three 
young men took a stroll around the property, 
Aleck and his companion critically examining 
the stranger’s face as they did so. Then they 
came to the spring, which Aleck pointed out to 
Smith. 

That worthy cast a glance at the spring and 
then became suddenly interested. 


128 


ALECK HORMBY. 


On examining it more carefully he noticed a 
thick strata of oil upon the surface. 

At length he remarked: “Well, gentlemen, it is 
better to be born lucky than rich. You have 
bought a piece of land, for a mere song, with a 
veritable gold mine upon it, and you will have 
also railroad facilities right at your door.” 

“What do you mean?” asked the two others in 
breathless excitement. 

“I mean that, besides having bought a strip of 
land which must increase considerably in value 
when the railroad has to cut a way through it, 
you have also a valuable oil spring on your prem- 
ises. I am positive there is a rich vein of oil here; 
the next question is, have you the capital to 
develop or work the vein? It will take a consider- 
able amount of money to do this, for you will need 
an engine, pumps, vats and lots of other things, 
besides having quite a sum of money to pay in 
wages before it brings any return.” 

This cast a damper on the spirits of his two 
companions. 

“If you have not sufficient money to start the 
thing going — and I see by your looks that you 
have not — we shall have to get a capitalist inter- 
ested in the affair; but, he will run away with the 
lion’s share of the profits, therefore, I should 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


129 


advise you to sell out entirely to him. I think, 
after consideration, it will be best for you to sell 
the property outright. But there need be no 
hurry about it. I shall be in the vicinity for sev- 
eral days yet. You can during that time consider 
the matter carefully over, and if you decide to sell, 
I think I know a party who will be sufficiently 
interested to buy from you.” 

Aleck and his companion, after warmly thank- 
ing their visitor for his kind offer, studied over 
the situation. 

They had not sufficient money to even start the 
business, and decided to sell the property if a 
purchaser could be found. 

When Smith called upon them soon after they 
informed him of their decision, and asked him to 
open a correspondence with the capitalist he had 
spoken of. 

Smith promised to do this, at the same time 
advising them not to sell the property for less than 
$12,000. 

Aleck then asked him if he could not be present 
at the time appointed for an interview, as he 
seemed to be well informed on the subject of oil 
wells, of which subject neither he nor his com- 
panion had the slightest knowledge. 

“All right,” replied Smith, “you helped me 


130 


ALECK HORMBY. 


when I was in difficulties, and have been the cause 
of my leading a different life, so in return I will 
do whatever lies in my power to oblige you now/' 
A few days later on Smith returned to Brook- 
lands, accompanied by a gentleman whom he 
introduced to our two young men as Mr. Wright. 

After spending about an hour in examining the 
spring, Mr. Wright offered first to furnish the 
capital to work the well, then ten thousand dollars 
for the property. 

Aleck informed Mr. Wright that they did not 
care to work the well, and preferred selling, but 
that they would not accept less than $12,000 for it. 

Mr. Wright then left them, saying he must take 
a few days to consider about it. 

This left our party in a state of great anxiety 
for several days; they now wished they had 
clinched the bargain at once. 

Mr. Wright, however, was just as anxious to 
buy as they were to sell, and in a few days he 
tempted them by adding another thousand dol- 
lars to his previous offer. 

This time they immediately accepted the price 
offered, and the property was soon transferred to 
Mr. Wright. 

When the payment for the property was made, 
Aleck proposed to his companion that they should 


ALECK HORMBY. I3I 

give Smith the odd thousand for his advice and 
assistance. 

To this proposition he readily consented, at the 
same time remarking that, in spite of Smith's 
former life, he seemed to be a good fellow and had 
treated them honestly and well. 

“We should have been glad before we saw him 
to sell the property for one-fifth of the amount, so 
you see a good turn is seldom lost, and this is the 
result of your generosity to him in Philadelphia." 

Our party were greatly surprised, however, at 
Smith's positively refusing to accept the thousand 
dollars, all they could persuade him to take being 
a small present. 

Aleck wrote home informing his friends of his 
good fortune, also promising to join them as soon 
as possible. 

He gave his employer notice that in a month 
from date he should leave him; this having been 
agreed upon by both parties mutually at the time 
of the engagement. 

Before the month expired the new well was 
completed and an immense supply of oil obtained, 
Mr. Wright coining money thereby. 

A few days before his departure from Brook- 
lands, Aleck received two letters from home; in 
the one from Nellie — who had completed her 


132 


ALECK HORMBY. 


school days, and was again at home — she wished 
him to hasten to Darnley as quickly as possible, 
as they were much in need of his advice and assist- 
ance. 

The other was from Ned and Annie Hormby, 
and assured him of a warm welcome at home. 

One bright morning soon after this, Aleck hav- 
ing settled his affairs in Brooklands and bid his 
friends good-bye, he took his place on the stage- 
coach for Grafton, where he made railroad con- 
nections for Philadelphia, and was soon being 
whirled on his way homeward. 

It would be well nigh impossible to describe 
Aleck’s feelings as he stepped off the train at Darn- 
ley. His first visit was to his old home, where he 
found Ned and Annie waiting to receive him. He 
was soon in the arms of the latter, and afterwards 
shaking hands cordially with Ned. 

After Ned’s release from imprisonment, which 
had cured him from all desire to continue manu- 
facturing contraband whiskey, he had again 
returned to his former occupation as fisherman, 
and he and Annie were once more content and 
happy. 

Aleck did not arrive at Darnley until after mid- 
night, so he had to postpone visiting Nellie until 
the following day. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


133 


Early next morning he was off to the residence 
of the Smalls, where he found Nellie anxiously 
waiting to receive him. She was greatly embar- 
rassed as she advanced to meet him, while Aleck's 
heart pounded like a steam hammer. 

Then they were locked in each other's arms 
once more, and for a time in indescribable happi- 
ness. The cause of his agitation then released 
herself from his embrace with a mighty effort; 
then asking him to take a seat she went in search 
of her mother and brother. 

Nellie seemed more beautiful than ever to 
Aleck; more womanly, more accomplished, and 
still as true and warm-hearted as ever. 

A few moments later the door of the room 
opened, and Harry Small rushed in with out- 
stretched hands, exclaiming as he did so: “Hello, 
Aleck, old friend, how are you?" Soon Mrs. 
Small and Nellie followed, the mother saying as 
she shook Aleck warmly by the hand: “I hope 
you have come to stay." We will not endeavor to 
picture the joy which Aleck's return caused. It is 
sufficient to say that no unpleasant allusions to 
the past marred their present happiness, and all 
was forgiven and forgotten. 

After dinner, when Mrs. Small was indulging 


134 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


in her usual “siesta,” Aleck had to relate to Harry 
and Nellie an account of his adventures. 

Harry, after Aleck had finished his story, 
walked to the window and looked out upon the 
road. 

“I think I will take a walk and leave you for a 
short time,” said he, taking his hat. “I suppose 
you can spare my company for a time, can’t you? 
There is an old adage which says two’s company, 
three’s none; but I feel like taking a short walk, 
and will return before long.” 

Aleck had spoken to Nellie inquiring the 
whereabouts of her father, but Nellie had 
answered him by saying: “My mother wishes to 
speak to you herself about the matter, and has 
been very anxious for your return. You have 
risen about one hundred per cent in her estima- 
tion lately, and when we discuss the matter she 
wishes us all to be present.” They spent a few 
happy moments together, and then Mrs. Small 
and Harry returned. 

There was something sweetly pathetic in the 
manner in which Mrs. Small began to inform 
Aleck of their troubles and fears. 

“My husband,” she began, “about three months 
ago received intelligence of the death of his oldest 
brother in England, and also that he had fallen 


ALECK HORMBY. 


135 


heir to the estate. He at once resolved to return 
to his paternal home, there to attend to the busi- 
ness, and wished me to accompany him on the 
journey. I did not feel inclined for traveling at 
that time, so Mr. Small undertook the journey 
alone. Since he left Darnley we have had no 
tidings from him, except a short telegram from 
Liverpool, in which he stated: 'Landed safe; in 
good health; will write soon/ We think some- 
thing serious must have happened to him or he 
would have written before now. What is your 
opinion ?” 

"I think the same,” replied Aleck, "also that 
some of us ought to follow him and see what is the 
trouble.” 

The Small family were bowed down with grief 
and sorrow, thinking that the husband and father 
of all these years had either deserted them or that 
something terrible had happened to him. 


CHAPTER XIV. 


Lawyer Small was the youngest son of a large 
land owner and wealthy banker in Lancashire, 
England. 

He had two brothers, William and Henry. 

His father was an avaricious, grasping old man; 
his mother had died when he was quite young. 

The father could not bear the idea of dividing 
his riches equally among his three sons, and deter- 
mined that it should all descend to the oldest son, 
William, whom he was also resolved should make 
a wealthy marriage. 

The estate was entailed and descended to Wil- 
liam by right. 

When the young men arrived at maturity 
Henry, the second son, who was of a roving dis- 
position, had an estate purchased for him in South 
Africa, while Richard, the youngest, was also pro- 
vided for in the same way, by having a cattle 
ranch bought for him in Texas. 

The father sought and found a bride for Wil- 
liam, a lady possessing a snug fortune of thirty 
thousand pounds. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


137 


Her father had made his money in cotton manu- 
facturing, and wished his daughter to marry into 
a good old family, one with an established name; 
and this was also her desire. 

Miss Lawson was a woman of fine personal 
appearance, tall, fair, and majestic, but of her 
other accomplishments the least said the better, 
for she was ignorant, also unrefined in her mind 
and manners, and William found that he could 
not spend a single day or hour in her company 
with comfort. 

One sunny afternoon in June, just thirteen 
months after Williami Small’s marriage, Mrs. 
Small presented her husband with a little daugh- 
ter. 

As the little girl entered this world her grand- 
father passed out of it. 

When the elder Small had been consigned to 
the grave William decided to retire from the bank- 
ing business — which had always been repugnant 
to him — and live the life of a country gentleman. 
He kept his horses and hounds, had large parties 
continually at the hall, indulged in horse racing 
and other kindred sports. This he kept up for 
several years, and then suddenly shut himself up 
in his rooms, turning into a recluse. He dismissed 
all the servants it was not absolutely necessary to 


I38 ALECK HORMBY. 

keep, sold his horses and hounds, began to fell 
and dispose of all the trees upon the estate, lock- 
ing himself up in his library most part of the 
day. 

Soon after this his wife died, but the emotion- 
less man showed no signs of grief if he felt any, 
and lived with more rigid economy than ever. 

We will take the privilege of introducing the 
father and daughter to our readers, as they sit 
in the breakfast room this December morning. 

The father is dressed in garments that have 
seen better days, and is dividing his attention 
between his coffe and toast and the newspaper. 

The young lady has evidently breakfasted, for 
she is seated at one of the windows with a book. 
There seems to be very little love or sympathy 
between the two, for they seldom speak to each 
other, and that evidently only when necessary. 

After the father had finished his breakfast he 
rung a bell, when a servant cleared the table, and 
the steward entered to receive his orders for the 
day. 

While the two men were engaged in conversa- 
tion Miss Laura noiselessly left the room and 
dressed herself for a walk. Taking a look at the 
young lady we find her decidedly handsome, well 
made, with blue eyes, a rather pale complexion 


ALECK HORMBY. 


139 


and regular features. She is dressed plainly but 
neatly, and her walk evidently does her good, the 
brisk December air putting more color in her 
cheeks. 

On leaving the house, Miss Laura Small pro- 
ceeded to the extremity of the grounds and passed 
through a little wooden gate in the fence. She 
then walked about a hundred yards down the road 
and entered a small wood. 

“Will this miserable life never come to an end?” 
she exclaimed, with tears in her eyes. 

“Am I to live in this atmosphere of oppression, 
with a father who has not a particle of love for me, 
with no friends, and with my feelings stifled and 
trimmed to pattern, until I do not know whether 
I now dare express a desire or wish of my own?” 

The words broke from her in a burst of passion- 
ate sorrow; then putting her hands before her face 
she broke out into a torrent of tears. The violence 
of her sobs made her tremble and shake, and she 
was obliged to sit upon one of the fallen trees for 
a time to rest. Her grief illuminated her features, 
making them still more beautiful, and Helen of 
Troy could not have been fairer than this grief- 
stricken young maiden. 

After a time she dried her tears and returned 


140 ALECK HORMBY. 

to the house, there to resume the monotony of 
her daily existence. 

As she entered she met her father, who was 
going out to take his daily constitutional in over- 
seeing the premises and farms. 

The snow was now falling fast upon the hard, 
frosty ground, which bore a strong resemblance 
to the man upon it. He simply told his daughter 
frigidly what time he would be back to dinner, as 
he passed her, and then went his way. 

With the exception of this walk, Squire Small 
scarcely ever appeared outside of his grounds. 
Once or twice a year he ran up to London, return- 
ing in about a month; and while there the neigh- 
bors whispered he was engaged in some specu- 
lation or other. 

After these visits to tow r n he was more cheerful 
and liberal for a time, but soon returned to his 
old miserly ways. It was a pity to see these fine 
old grounds and once beautiful garden neglected 
as they were. Where six or seven men had once 
found ample employment, now one man had to 
suffice. The stables, once replete with fine horses, 
had now one solitary occupant, and that one a 
dilapidated old nag not worth its feed. Things had 
been going to rack and ruin in this way for many 


ALECK HORMBY. I4I 

years, when one day Squire Small was stricken 
with sickness. 

They laid him upon his bed, by^ the side of 
which stands his faithful daughter. The doctor 
said it was nothing serious, nothing to be alarmed 
about, simply the effects of a severe cold ; still, he 
lay there day after day, scarcely ever speaking, 
with his head close to the window watching the 
driving snow and rain. 

One day he called Laura to him and spoke to 
her of his late parsimonious ways; then thanking 
her for her kind attention to him he promised to 
act better, behave more to her like a father, if ever 
he arose from that sick bed. 

Then by degrees as the weather got "warmer he 
slowly recovered. 

Late one bleak April morning Squire Small was 
helped down stairs into his library, where he and 
his daughter partook of breakfast at a comforta- 
ble table moved up to the blazing fire. A drizzling 
rain fell outside, obscuring the view and shutting 
out the landscape. After finishing breakfast, 
Squire Small, with the assistance of his daughter, 
ran over the long-neglected correspondence, took 
a glance at the morning newspaper, and then 
once more sent for his steward. 

That gentleman at once entered the room, 


14 2 


ALECK HORMBY. 


bringing his books with him and expecting to go 
through the usual business routine. 

“No, Wilson, I sent for you for a different pur- 
pose this morning; that part of the business I 
shall leave in your hands entirely for the future/’ 
Then he gave Wilson some orders which aston- 
ished that worthy gentleman greatly. The regime 
of the house was from that day put upon a more 
liberal footing. Squire Small and his daughter 
receiving and paying visits to their friends and 
neighbors. He still calculated and labored to 
increase his vast fortune; examined securities and 
mortgages, for his mind was too deeply dyed to 
be changed at his age, but he acted the part of the 
miser no longer. 

For his daughter he did not seem to be able to do 
enough, and spared nothing on her account. Her 
room was refurnished and filled with every lux- 
ury, a companion procured for her, horses and a 
carriage, in fact she had only to express a wish 
and it was immediately gratified. 

Her father well knew that to her excellent nurs- 
ing he owed his life, and now never allowed a day 
to pass without spending a portion of it in her 
company. 

So things went on for about the space of a year, 
when grim death, that great reaper of profligate 


ALECK HORMBY. 


143 


and miser alike, called upon William Small to 
pay his last account. The estate, of course, passed 
to the next heir, but his vast fortune was left 
entirely to his daughter. 

Of the second son, Henry, nothing had been 
heard from for many years, and he had been 
given up long ago as dead. 

Soon after arriving on his estate near Cape 
Town he had married a rich American young 
lady, who at the time was visiting that place. 

The climate of Africa, however, did not agree 
with his wife, and some months after her mar- 
riage she resolved to return home to Cleveland 
for a short time for the benefit of her health. 

Henry, after his wife left for home, was very 
low spirited for a time; he wrote several letters to 
the address furnished him by his wife, but to these 
letters he never received any response, and 
thought his lovely wife had deserted him. He 
was disconsolate for a time, neglecting his busi- 
ness, and walking the streets of Cape Town from 
morning till night. 

One day, when sitting in a tavern smoking his 
pipe and drinking, a party of men entered the 
room and began to talk about visiting the heart 
of the continent on a trading expedition. 


144 


ALECK HORMBY. 


Henry listened to these men for a time and then 
joined in the conversation. 

He ascertained that the party was to leave Cape 
Town in about three weeks, thanked the men for 
the information they had given him, then took 
his departure for home to think about the advisa- 
bility of joining it. 

During the night he decided to do so. 

He then sold his estate to a neighbor, who was 
very glad to buy it, converted the money into arti- 
cles suitable for trading with the negroes, and 
soon afterwards, with his companions, was bound 
for the interior, and had never been heard from 
since. 

All the lawyers' efforts to find Henry being 
fruitless, it brought Richard Small in as the next 
heir to the property. 

When Richard Small, the youngest son, left 
England he proceeded to his new home in Texas. 
Here he did not stay long; a rural life was not 
suited to his tastes; so, selling his property he 
began to study law. He then afterwards removed 
to Maine, got his first brief, and was soon after- 
wards making a comfortable living. 

The lawyers to the estate in England, Messrs. 
Handsley & Artindale, of Preston, having failed 
to locate Henry Small, or hear any tidings 


ALECK HORMBY. 


145 


respecting him, concluded he was dead, and at 
once put themselves in communication with Rich- 
ard, the next heir in line to the entailed property. 

He saw at once on receiving their letter that it 
was imperative for him to go to England — and as 
we have stated before, Mrs. Small declining to 
accompany him thither, he made his preparations 
for proceeding there alone. 

Candidly, Nellie told her mother it was her duty 
to go with her father, that the voyage would be of 
great benefit to her health, but Mrs. Small per- 
sisted in saying she did not care to go. 

One morning soon after, lawyer Small left all 
necessary instructions with his clerk in the law 
office at Southport for conducting the business 
during his absence; he then left Darnley and pro- 
ceeded to Boston. Here he spent a day with his 
son Harry, who was now a junior partner in a 
law firm there, then he took the train for Fall 
River, and from there the boat for New York. 

As he was going up Broadway the following 
morning to visit the offices of the Cunard line and 
arrange for his passage across, he was almost 
knocked down by a man strongly resembling him- 
self and about his own age, who pushed against 
him on that crowded thoroughfare. 

The stranger, instead of apologizing, remarked : 


146 


ALECK HORMBY. 


"Just have a care, my friend, about running into 
people on a busy street like this.” 

Then looking carefully at Mr. Small, he 
exclaimed: "Hello! Dick, how are you?” 

"I have seen you before somewhere,” replied 
Mr. Small, critically examining the features of 
the other, “but for the life of me I could not say 
when or where.” 

"What!” said the stranger, "not remember your 
old classmate and companion at Dr. Markham’s 
establishment at Preston, Jack Durham?” said he. 
"Surely you must remember me.” 

"Oh, yes, I remember you very well now;” then 
taking his arm he said: "what are you doing in 
this country and how long have you been here?” 

"I have been here about sixteen years now, and 
am a gentleman at leisure at present,” replied 
Durham. 

"If that is the case,” said Mr. Small, "perhaps 
you would not object to going with me; I have 
some little business to transact to-day, and when 
that is done we can repair to some hotel, take 
dinner together, and then relate our various 
experiences since parting in England.” 

The two men then walked arm in arm together 
up Broadway; when, after Mr. Small had con- 
cluded his business, they entered a hotel to take 


ALECK IIORMBY. 147 

dinner and chat about the good old times they 
used to have together at school. 

This Jack Durham was the only son of a former 
wealthy shipping merchant at Barrow-in-Fur- 
ness, England. On the death of his father he 
inherited his vast riches. It only took Jack two or 
three years to run through this fortune, after 
which, for many years, he had lived on his wits. 

Jack’s figure had been a prominent one in the 
principal gambling houses in London, Liverpool, 
and Manchester for many years after his father’s 
death; but after a time his actions became sus- 
picious in these places, then too glaring to escape 
notice, and Jack had finally been tabooed, and 
plainly told he was a blackleg. It is painful to 
add, also, that Jack was informed that his presence 
would not be tolerated in any of these places 
thereafter. 

He then turned his attention to horse racing, 
making a book on the Derby, on which he lost 
heavily, and then defaulted. 

England now having become too hot for him he 
resolved to try his fortune in the United States. 
Here for a short time he had what he termed a 
"run of luck.” 

Cards and dice seemed to favor him; at billiards 


1 48 


ALECK HORMBY. 


he was a masterpiece, only once in a while losing 
a game to make his opponent play deeper. 

It chanced to happen one night at one of the 
swell clubs in New York, that as Durham and 
another member were playing cards, the cards all 
ran in his opponent’s favor; Jack resorted to his 
old tricks, and, being caught, was politely asked 
to return his membership ticket. 

He drifted down to New Orleans, and at once 
began to work the Mississippi boats. 

Here he ran across a different class of gamblers 
altogether to the tenderfeet of New York and the 
worthy twigs of the British nobility, and after 
twice looking down the barrel of an enormous six- 
shooter decided to change his field of labor. 

He afterwards worked various other cities — St. 
Louis, Chicago and Cincinnati ; finally, returning 
to New York, where that morning when he acci- 
dentally met Mr. Small, he was in that state which 
the people of this wicked world would usually 
term “hard up.” 

After partaking of a good dinner, with a liberal 
supply of wine, Mr. Small informed his compan- 
ion that his oldest brother, William, had died 
recently; that it was thought his brother Henry 
was dead also, not having been heard from for 


ALECK HORMBY. 


149 


many years, and all trace of him lost; that, there- 
fore, the family estate in England descended by 
right to him, and that he was going to his old 
home to look into the matter. 


CHAPTER XV. 


It was a hot evening in July, the atmosphere in 
the room was almost stifling, and as the waiter 
removed the things from the table the two men 
went out on to the verandah to smoke. 

Returning to the room shortly afterwards, Mr. 
Small asked Durham how he had prospered since 
they separated as school boys. 

“Oh, my father left me all his money when he 
died,” replied Durham, “but I have engaged in 
some unfortunate speculations in this country 
lately, and am, the same as you, about to return 
home, but am waiting for remittances from Eng- 
land.” 

“If that is the case,” said Mr. Small, “you can 
have no objection to returning with me; I will 
advance you the money for your passage; we shall 
be company for each other over, and you can 
repay me on our arrival in England.” 

“All right,” replied Durham, “I am willing. 
Perhaps you could accommodate me with ‘fifty* 
to-night, then to-morrow morning before we meet 


ALECK HORMBY. 


151 

I can purchase some few things that I shall require 
in crossing.” 

“Certainly,” replied Mr. Small, “here it is,” 
producing the amount from his pocketbook; 
“meet me here at ten o’clock to-morrow morn- 
ing.” 

That night Durham managed to make his fifty 
into five hundred at one of the gambling houses. 
Punctually at ten o’clock the following day Dur- 
ham was at the rendezvous, where, handing back 
Mr. Small the fifty dollars he had advanced him 
the night before, he coolly informed him that the 
expected remittance had arrived from England, 
and he would pay his own expenses over. 

After partaking of breakfast, Mr. Small paid the 
hotel bill, and the two once more returned to the 
shipping office to engage a stateroom for Dur- 
ham, afterwards taking a drive around the city. 
During the afternoon the two men wandered 
about the docks, visited the vessel, examined their 
rooms, and then returned to the hotel where Mr. 
Small had stopped the night previously. 

The weather had changed considerably since 
the day before, and this night they drew their 
chairs up to the fire as they drank their wine and 
smoked their cigars, and chatted about the good 


152 


ALECK HORMBY. 


old times they used to have together during their 
school days. 

Late at night — to Mr. Small, who still kept 
Darnley hours — they parted; but it was still too 
early for Jack to retire, so he returned to one of 
his old haunts, again winning considerably. 

Durham sat at the card table that night until 
all his opponents dropped out of the game, one 
after another. 

Dame fortune never smiled on him more boun- 
tifully than she did this evening; she kept with 
him, in fact, until not a player in the house would 
hazard another hand with him. 

Then, with those of his defeated companions 
who would prolong their stay in his company, a 
mighty scene of revelry began. The tables and 
floors were covered with empty wine bottles, while 
songs and jokes were wafted through the win- 
dows out into the summer air, reaching the 
amazed listeners on the street far below. 

The toadies humored Durham with, “He’s a 
Jolly Good Fellow/' "We Won't Go Home Till 
Morning," and such ditties, until the lateness of 
the hour and the state of the company made it 
impossible for the major part of them to proceed 
thither, mine host having to accommodate them 
with beds, most part of them having to be carried 


ALECK HORMBY. 1 53 

there, Jack Durham being included in the 
number. 

He at once fell into a drunken sleep, a sleep 
which was profound enough, without being in any 
way refreshing. All kinds of confusing and 
absurd dreams passed through his mind, from 
which he was at length startled by finding that 
some one was knocking at the door of his 
chamber. 

On inquiring “Who was there ?” the waiter in- 
formed him that it was seven o’clock, and the 
time at which he had requested to be called. 

“Go away,” Durham replied, “I do not care to 
get up yet.” 

Then he lay awake for a short time and studied 
over the situation. 

“Here I am,” thought he, “with my pockets full 
of money, yet engaged to proceed with a man to 
England whose ways and deeds are as wide apart 
from mine as the poles. If I stay here I can enjoy 
myself to my heart’s content, whereas, if I go 
home with Small we shall probably quarrel before 
we have been in each other’s company a week. 
With the exception of being able to chat about 
old school days we have not one single thought in 
common. Oh, hang it all, I will fall asleep again, 
taking my chances for the future.” 


154 


ALECK HORMBY. 


So saying he once more turned over and was 
soon again in the arms of Morpheus. 

Song and laughter again rang through his 
brain for a short period, then his habitual inclina- 
tion for an early drink mastered him, after which 
he determined to carry out the proposed pro- 
gramme and go to England. 

The sun was now high in the heavens, the 
morning was far advanced, in fact, it was almost 
time for the boat to start, with Durham possessing 
a teeming headache as the result of his last night’s 
debauch. He hastily took several more bracers, 
and then felt it incumbent for him to start for the 
boat, where Mr. Small was anxiously waiting for 
him. 

“I say, Jack, old fellow, what detained you? 
We came pretty near leaving you behind; besides, 
you do not appear to be up to concert pitch by a 
long way.” 

“No,” replied Durham, “and I suppose there 
are times when you don’t feel in the highest 
spirits, either.” 

This was all that passed at the time, Durham 
retiring to his room, where he was soon fast 
asleep. 

With a heart torn with conflicting emotions, 
Mr. Small watched Durham as he disappeared 


ALECK HORMBY. 


155 


below; then, passing his hand wearily over his 
brow, he returned to his seat, and listlessly turned 
over the leaves of a law book until Durham once 
more appeared on deck. 

During the long, weary hours that followed not 
a word was spoken by either. There were one or 
two attempts at reading, but it was all in vain. 

At length the wearisome day came to an end; 
the passengers, with the exception of a few strag- 
glers, “turning in” for the night. 

It was not very comfortable below, for the 
Atlantic began to behave in rather a rude manner, 
while the boat sometimes seemed to leap into the 
air, and then dive into the great depths below. 
Most of the cabin passengers remained below the 
following day, being troubled excessively with 
sea sickness. 

Mr. Small seemed to be afflicted about as bad 
as any one on board with the malady, remaining 
below the whole day. 

Durham, on the contrary, did not seem to be 
affected in the least; he was up and on deck early, 
eating his meals with as much apparent relish as 
if he had been on shore. Towards evening the 
storm lulled, when a few of the more venturesome 
gentlemen began to stagger around the deck. 
Then came supper, at which meal, and after, Dur- 


ALECK HORMBY. 


156 

ham drank heavily with three other boon com- 
panions he had already become acquainted with, 
who were from Kentucky. 

Before long, one of the party proposed a game 
of cards. 

All hands being willing, the four were soon hard 
at work betting heavily on the result. They kept 
it up until eleven o’clock, when Durham arose 
from the table a heavy loser. 

The card playing being over for that night, the 
bottles and glasses appeared once more for an 
hour or so, the party then separating for the 
night. 

Mr. Small soon discovered that Durham’s sys- 
tem was permeated through and through with a 
mania for gambling, also that he was losing vast 
sums of money in his pursuit of it. 

One day he took Jack to task, advising him to 
stop. 

“How do you desire me to spend my time?” 
asked his companion; “here you get stowed away 
in some corner or other, poring over a volume of 
Blackstone, or Coke and Lyttleton about the law 
regarding entail, utterly oblivious of anything or 
anybody round about you. As to my propensity 
for gambling, I think it comes with a bad grace 
from you to set yourself on a pinnacle and preach 


ALECK HORMBY. 


157 


the 'follow me’ doctrine. Who, I wonder, instilled 
into my unworthy carcass the desire for gam- 
bling? who at school initiated Jack Durham and 
the rest of the boys into the mysteries of 'All 
fours’ and the other games? winning most part of 
our pocket money before half the term was over, 
but your worthy self; yet I never laid the charge 
at your door.” 

"That may be all true, but I nipped the desire 
in the bud ; and you are old enough and have had 
sufficient experience to know better; besides, at 
the rate you have been losing lately, you would 
soon empty the coffers of a Rothschild.” 

Mr. Small, after this conversation, still con- 
tinued his reading and studying law, while Dur- 
ham was just as persistent in risking his chances 
with the pack. 

When they finally reached Liverpool, ill luck 
having persistently stuck to Durham all through 
the voyage, and having also made vast inroads 
into his pocketbook, the two men had drifted far- 
ther apart. They stopped at the same hotel, took 
dinner together, and then Mr. Small having vari- 
ous matters of business to attend to, they sepa- 
rated for the night. 

Durham once more tried to retrieve the fallen 


158 


ALECK HORMBY. 


state of his finances at the gambling table, but was 
again unsuccessful. 

Mr. Small was detained in Liverpool longer 
than he expected, it being after five o’clock before 
the two men left the hotel, taking a cab for the 
station. 

On their arrival there they found that the Pres- 
ton express had started some ten minutes before 
they reached the station, and that they would have 
to wait over an hour for a slow train to take them 
to that place. 

Mr. Small was considerably annoyed at the 
delay ; he walked up and down the long platform, 
in and out of the waiting rooms, while his com- 
panion was quite serene, and did not seem to care 
if they should have to wait for a year. There was 
no help for it, however; old Father Time turns 
with the same regularity to the patient and impa- 
tient alike. At the end of the hour the men found 
their train, entered into a first-class compartment, 
closing the door after them. 

Mr. Small leaned back in one corner of the car- 
riage, putting his feet on the opposite seat. He 
took out a book from a satchel and began to read, 
but try as he might it was impossible for him to 
keep his attention on his book. 


ALECK HORMBY. 159 

At last he looked up and saw that Durham’s 
gaze was fixed upon him. 

“My God,” said Durham, as he laid his head 
back against the padded partition, “but you are 
splendid company.” 

The guard then came round, locked the door 
of the compartment, and they were off. 

Passing fields and forest, trees and farm houses, 
over rumbling bridges and through cuttings of 
solid rock, over rivers, along valleys, with the 
engine shrieking shrilly as they neared every sta- 
tion to stop; now plunging into dark and vile 
smelling tunnels, then out into the welcome day- 
light again ; so scene after scene passed, town after 
town, village after village, and again the peaceful 
country. Slowing up at last, they steamed into a 
great glass-roofed station, one of the busiest in 
the world, whose walls were covered with adver- 
tisements of every kind and color; then they were 
switched up to a platform filled with waiting pas- 
sengers and their friends. 

As the two men left their compartment and 
stepped on to the platform a neighboring clock 
struck seven. 

Here, if they both proceeded to their old homes, 
they would have to separate, Durham, to reach 


l6o ALECK HORMBY. 

Barrow, going north, while Mr. Small’s home, 
Blackley Hall, lay in an easterly direction. 

But there were no trains going either way that 
night, so they had to while the time away in Pres- 
ton until morning. 

They went to an old tavern in Fishergate, 
where, after partaking of a light supper, they took 
a stroll in the summer twilight. 

They passed old places familiar to both, all 
having some story connected with them of the 
good old times when they were together at school. 

As they walked along, Mr. Small proposed that 
they should take a peep at the old institution. 

“All right,” said Durham, “it is too early to go 
to bed yet, and I would just as soon take a walk 
in that direction as another.” 

Taking an old-remembered foot-path on the 
banks of the river Ribble they soon arrived at the 
old-fashioned building. The place seemed very 
little altered, the stone wall surrounding the place 
and gate just the same as of yore; the old swings 
and out-door gymnasium still in the same place, 
while the school itself seemed just the same. 

Who can tell what recollections the sight 
brought into their minds, heaven only knows. 

They then entered the “Red Lion Hotel,” the 
old public where both had procured surreptitiously 


ALECK HORMBY. l6l 

the forbidden glass of ale or porter in days gone 
by. Here Mr. Small ordered a bottle of sherry, 
they replenished their cigar cases, and then 
returned up the bank of the river in the direction 
of the town. 

It was now getting late, but there was a bright 
moon. For a time the two men walked on in 
silence, then Mr. Small resolved to have a little 
serious conversation with Durham regarding his 
gambling habits. Entering a small wood on the 
banks of the stream, Mr. Small asked his com- 
panion if he had any objections to taking a short 
rest. 

“None at all,” said Durham. 

Sitting down on the grass, Mr. Small at once 
commenced speaking on the subject which was 
uppermost in his mind. In concluding, he said: 
“This is probably our last night together; won't 
you promise me to give up this pernicious 
habit?” 

“No, I will not; besides, I want you to stop your 
canting hypocrisy ; as I have plainly told you 
before, you created in me this desire for gambling; 
if you say another word to me on that subject I 
shall knock you down.” 

“Oh, you will, will you?” 


ALECK HORMBY. 


l62 

From high words the two men proceeded to 
blows; Mr. Small gaining the upper hand. 

Then Durham, feeling in his hip pocket for that 
weapon, a revolver, which is usually carried by 
men of his class, the sound of a shot rang out on 
the still night air, and Mr. Small fell dead at hia 
feet. 

Breathless and perspiring, intent only on trying 
to still the suffocating throbbings of his heart, 
Durham sat down to rest, and then calmly studied 
over the situation. 

When he had coored down a little he gazed 
once more on the face of his victim, and then dar- 
ingly resolved to personate his murdered com- 
panion. 

“What is there to hinder me?” said he. “We are 
almost as much alike as two peas ; he has given me 
every information respecting his past life since 
leaving school, and as to Blackley Hall and its 
surroundings, I know them just as well as he did.” 

His next task was to dispose of the corpse. 

He went to work stripping it of its clothing, 
the watch, money, drafts and papers, and then 
carefully substituted his own. He then visited a 
•distant farmyard which he well remembered, 
unloosened a clothes line from its poles, and then 
returned to the scene of the late conflict. Rolling 


ALECK HORMBY. 


X63 


the corpse down to the brink of the river he 
wound the rope around the body of the dead man, 
then tied two large stones to the ends of the cord, 
gave his dead companion a tremendous push, and 
all that was mortal of Mr. Small sank to the bot- 
tom of the Ribble. 

This task occupied Durham for a considerable 
time, and before he had finished the sun was 
slowly rising in the east. 

He then quickly left the neighborhood, taking 
a circuitous route, by which he reached Preston. 
Here, entering the first public house he found 
open, he drank deeply until he was too much dis- 
turbed by the company. 

Leaving at about ten o’clock he visited the 
offices of the lawyers, Messrs. Handsley & Artin- 
dale, had a short interview with these gentlemen, 
and then repaired to a prominent hotel, where he 
registered as Richard Small. 

“I shall require a little lunch,” said he to 
mine host, “which you can serve in my room; also 
a bottle of brandy; then I shall have a rest for 
some time, as I have been traveling, and do not 
feel well.” 

For some time after his meal, Durham sat in 
his capacious arm-chair drinking brandy and 


ALECK HORMBY. 


164 

brooding over the terrible events through which 
he had just passed. 

“I did not do it wilfully/' he said; “it was the 
result of a momentary passion, and not of a deeply 
laid plot." 

Soon after he fell into a troubled sleep, in which 
he had horrid dreams; and when he awoke great 
beads of perspiration were upon his forehead. 
Suddenly he sprang to his feet, with a proud, 
defiant gesture, saying: “Oh, hang it all, I never 
feared man or the devil yet, and am not going to 
turn coward now." 

Consulting his new watch, he exclaimed: “I 
had no idea it was so late." 

Hurriedly completing his toilet/ he rushed 
down the stairs, where the welcome sound of 
clashing billiard balls met his ear. 

Above, all had been silence and gloom, with 
grim thoughts troubling him; here was life and 
animation. 

He joined in a four-handed game, playing reck- 
lessly, pretending to be a novice in the art, and 
not caring in the least how many times he lost, 
providing he kept some companions with him. 
After playing several games, all of which he paid 
for, besides, treating his new found friends liber- 


ALECK HORMBY. 165 

ally, they took a short walk, visiting several more 
places; then he invited them to supper. 

Returning to the hotel he kept his company at 
the table as long as possible, the champagne 
flowing freely, and the night ending in noisy 
jollity. 

Rising early the following morning he walked 
down to the banks of the Ribble, entered one of 
the boat-houses there and engaged a boat with 
single sculls. He passed and repassed the scene 
of the late conflict, critically examining the place 
as he did so, but found no vestige of the affair left. 
Deliberately rowing back, he returned to the 
hotel, ordered breakfast, paid his bill, and then 
took a cab, in which he was soon conveyed to the 
station. 

Here he engaged a private compartment in a 
first-class carriage, tipped the porter, and told 
him to put the dead man’s trunk into the “luggage 
van;” then going to the restaurant he bought a 
bottle of brandy, and drank and smoked until the 
train reached Blackley. 

Ordering his trunk to be sent on after him, he 
walked on briskly in the direction of the hall. 


CHAPTER XVI. 


Blackley Hall was a very ancient place. 

It was situated on the banks of the River Calder, 
about half a mile from the village. 

The building was surrounded by private 
grounds, through which there ran a smooth road 
for carriages, with a foot-path running alongside 
of it for the use of pedestrians. To get into these 
private grounds you had to pass through a lodge, 
or the gates, which were kept by a lodge-keeper. 
At the end of this avenue stood the steward’s 
house, where a stranger would have to pass 
another examination respecting his business at 
the hall before being allowed to proceed further. 
Then a smooth lawn, decorated once again with 
all kinds of flower beds lay before you. The front 
of the house faced the river, the land sloping down 
to its banks. 

Sometimes on holidays the grounds were 
thrown open to visitors, who lingered there until 
the clock in the old turret struck nine, the hour 
for them to retire. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


167 


Up this avenue and through the private 
grounds Jack Durham walked, smoking his cigar 
and taking a nip from his bottle, with as much 
pomp as any peer of the realm could have 
assumed. 

On arriving at the hall he was met at the door 
by his supposed niece, who gave him a warm 
reception. 

Conducting him to his chamber, she hastened 
down stairs and ordered luncheon to be served 
as quickly as possible. 

That meal being at length over, Miss Small 
asked him if he cared to take a drive. 

“No, not to-day, Laura, my dear,” replied he, 
“I am fatigued after my traveling, and shall take 
a rest.” 

“Very well, dear uncle,” Laura said, “I will take 
a short drive and rejoin you soon; here are papa’s 
keys to his desk and safe; you can look the con- 
tents of them over when you feel disposed for 
doing so.” 

She then kissed him heartily, tripped lightly 
out into the garden, where she made a bouquet for 
a sick girl she was going to visit; then returning, 
looking as fresh as the flowers she had gathered, 
she entered her pony carriage, kissed her hand 


r68 


ALECK HORMBY. 


lightly to Durham, who stood at the top of the 
steps, and was driven off. 

Durham lost no time in carefully examining 
the contents of the desk and safe, making a full 
record of anything that would be of use to him in 
a small pocket journal. 

At length, having finished his task, he took a 
short walk around the grounds and stables, 
ordered the trunk, which had arrived, to be taken 
to his room, and then waited for Laura's return. 

After a late dinner they conversed for some 
time, then, at Durham’s request, she played and 
sang a few old English melodies for him, retiring 
about half-past nine. 

What recollections of former days these songs 
brought into Durham's mind we will leave the 
reader to imagine. They were songs which he and 
his victim had often joined in during the time 
they were at school together. 

He once more took a short stroll in the garden, 
allowing the summer breeze to cool his fevered 
brow, and then retired to the library. Here he 
sat for hours, going over papers and books again, 
smoking and drinking, doing anything, it did not 
matter what, to drive his gloomy thoughts away 
from the scene which haunted him. 

It was early in the morning, the dawning light 


ALECK HORMBY. 


169 


was peeping through the window curtains when 
he arose from his chair, closed the desk and 
staggered off to bed. 

Sinking into a deep sleep he did not awake 
until nearly nine o’clock. Then he went down 
into the breakfast room, where he found Laura 
dressed in a light summer dress waiting for him. 

As they sat conversing at the breakfast table, 
Laura remarked: “I presume I shall have to get 
ready to be turned out, bag and baggage, from 
Blackley Hall.” 

“Why so?” asked Durham. 

“Because, you and your family will require the 
place,” was the quick reply. 

“I suppose you think Blackley is a very beauti- 
ful place, and you are much in love with it?” 

“Indeed I do,” she replied; “it has been my 
home ever since I was born, and I am very much 
attached to it.” 

“Well, my dear, I do not see any reason why 
you should leave it. I am perfectly willing for you 
to stay here, and I do not for a moment imagine 
my family will have any objection to your residing 
here, either. Besides this, it is going to take me 
some time to look over your father’s accounts, 
to get familiar with his methods of working the 
estate, and his business in London, to which place 


170 ALECK HORMBY. 

I shall frequently have to go before it is settled. 
Again, I do not know whether my wife would care 
to reside permanently in England; but if she is 
willing to do so I shall have to return to the 
United States to make arrangements for dispos- 
ing of my business there; so you can readily see 
that there need be no hurry for your leaving the 
home you love so well/’ 

He then kissed her, told her to make herself as 
content and happy as she could, retiring once 
more to the library, where he spent the remainder 
of the morning in again examining books and 
papers. 

As the clock in the turret struck twelve, Laura 
knocked at the door, asking him if he was ready 
for lunch. 

Dispatching this meal as quickly as possible, 
he informed Laura that he was going to Preston 
to see the lawyers. 

On arriving there he bought the swiftest and 
best horse he could lay his hands upon, spent the 
remainder of his time lounging about the bar- 
rooms, returning to Blackley by the last train. 

That night he spent the same as the previous 
one, the disk of the sun appearing in the east 
before he arose from his arm chair, and once more 
staggered off to bed. 


ALECK HORMBY. 171 

Early the morning following his new horse 
arrived. 

He took Laura with him to examine the ani- 
mal, and then, after lunch, they took a drive 
together. 

The new horse moved splendidly, and Laura, 
who, to tell the truth, was somewhat afraid of his 
speed and the vicious movement of his ears, 
praised him highly. 

It was wet and stormy the next day. 

Laura lay on a lounge reading a novel, while 
Durham moved restlessly from room to room. 

He had made a thorough examination of all 
the books and documents, and was now sorely 
perplexed for something to engage his attention 
upon. As to riding or driving, it was simply 
impossible in the torrents of rain that fell. 

In the afternoon it cleared off a little; then he 
suddenly resolved to go to London. 

He went to Laura’s room, informed her of his 
intention of going to town by the first train, and 
asked her if she cared to accompany him thither. 

On Laura declining, he asked her if she had 
any commissions he could execute for her while 
there; then, kissing her and telling her to take 
good care of herself while he was away, bid her 
good-bye, and was off. 


172 


ALECK HORMBY. 


Arriving in London he threw himself heart and 
soul into the excitement of gambling and drink- 
ing; for a time forgetting his troubles. Luck was 
with him ; he won vast sums of money, and was as 
happy and light-hearted as it was possible for him 
to be under the circumstances. 

“I’ve an idea ,” said Durham one night as he 
sat in his lonely chamber, “that it would be the 
safest and best plan for me to disappear with my 
winnings; leaving my name to be listed among 
the missing ones.” 

Once or twice he thought of putting his resolu- 
tion into effect at once, but finally decided to re- 
turn once more to Blackley; squeeze as much 
more money as possible out of the estate, and then 
leave for some foreign country. 

He was filled with dismay when he finally 
reached Blackley Hall and received the intelli- 
gence that his brother Henry had returned. 

Durham arrived at Blackley by the last train 
from Preston; he stayed at the “Blackley Arms” 
drinking until the place was closed for the night. 

All the household had retired, with the excep- 
tion of Laura, who opened the door for him, giv- 
ing him at the same time the news. 

“When did my brother arrive?” asked he. 

“By the four o'clock express. He retired early, 


ALECK H0RMBY. 173 

saying he was tired out by his travels. Shall I 
call him?” 

"Oh, no,” answered Durham, who had kept 
perfectly cool during the interview, "to-morrow 
morning will answer the purpose just as well; if 
he has been traveling, he needs the rest.” Saying 
this, and bidding Laura "Good night,” he entered 
the library. 

Pondering over the news he had just received, 
he waited until Laura had retired. 

Then, ransacking the safe of its contents, he 
quietly stole out of the house, walked over to the 
stables, and by the light of the moon saddled his 
horse. The animal had never been out of the 
stable during Durham’s absence, and was in prime 
condition for a run. 

Hastily mounting, Durham said: "I ought to be 
in Preston in an hour or so, then I will take the 
first train leaving there for — anywhere. But, 
travel as fast as he could, the thoroughbred could 
not satisfy the frenzied impatience of his rider. 

Thundering through Blackley, the horse 
awoke the peaceful inhabitants of that place by the 
clatter of his hoofs on the hard road. 

After passing the outskirts of the village, Dur- 
ham’s excitement got furious; he struck the 


174 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


horse a vicious blow with his riding whip, almost 
stunning him. 

The animal swerved to one side, made for the 
fence on the other side of the road, and tried hard 
to clear it. His heels caught on the top, sending 
him headlong into a ditch on the other side; Dur- 
ham was thrown from his seat, and, in falling, 
struck his head against a tree. The horse arose 
and galloped off, but the rider lay there motion- 
less; never to rise again. 

Early the following morning a farmer found the 
dead body, with the horse grazing quietly near by, 
and hastened off to inform the coroner. 

That gentleman ordered the farmer to get his 
cart, put some straw in it, and then laying the 
dead body therein, they took him slowly and 
carefully back to Blackley Hall. When the party 
arrived there — news of the accident having been 
sent on in advance — Laura and her uncle Henry 
were waiting to receive them. 

After Henry had examined the features of the 
dead man, he turned to the party and said, “My 
friends, there is some mistake here; this is not 
the body of my brother Richard/' 

Laura was struck with consternation at the re- 
mark and exclaimed in bewilderment, “Who can 
he be, who can he be? He has been here for 


ALECK HORMBY. 


175 


some time now, passing himself off as my uncle 
and your brother; and now you brand him as an 
impostor; oh, uncle, are you sure that after never 
seeing him for so many years, you are not making 
a terrible mistake?” 

“No mistake at all,” replied he; “I grant that he 
resembles my brother strongly, but once again I 
say he is not my brother Richard ; and whoever he 
may be, he is an impostor here.” 

The emphatic declaration of Henry Small that 
the body of the dead man was not that of his 
brother, was fully verified by the appearance of his 
nephew Harry and Aleck upon the scene during 
the inquest; they both positively affirmed that 
although he was strikingly similar to the missing 
gentleman he was a stranger to them, and had 
been deceiving their friends as to his personality. 

The inquest ended by a verdict of accidental 
death being returned; Durham being laid to rest 
in a pauper’s grave. 

After writing several letters to Mr. Small in 
England, to which they never received any reply, 
Harry and Aleck decided to go over there to 
ascertain what was the matter. 

Their letters had been received by Durham and 
destroyed. 


176 


ALECK HORMBY. 


Now came the task of finding out what had 
become of Richard Small. 

A skillful detective was employed, who traced 
the movements of the two men up from their leav- 
ing the ship at Liverpool to Durham’s return 
alone to Preston on the morning following the 
murder. 

Men were then set to work to drag the river 
Ribble, and in a short time the decaying body of 
Mr. Small was found. He was taken to Blackley 
and deposited in the family sepulcher. 

Henry Small invited his nephew and Aleck to 
stay with him at Blackley Hall and partake of 
his hospitality during their visit to England. 

Harry wrote home informing them of the 
melancholy death of his father, at the same time 
stating that he and Aleck had decided to remain 
for a short time in England. 

That night, as the uncle, Laura, Harry and 
Aleck sat at the supper table, Henry Small gave 
his three companions a short account of his adven- 
tures in Africa. It appeared that after leaving 
Cape Town for the interior of the dark continent, 
his party had fallen into the hands of a tribe of 
negroes, who quickly purloined their merchan- 
dise and made them prisoners. 

“They bound us,” said he, “by placing our 


ALECK HORMBY. 


177 


necks in a yoke; then as a further precaution to 
prevent us from escaping they chained our legs 
together, and after many days of weary marching 
we at length reached their village. My compan- 
ions died one after another; I hoped the grim 
monster would also release me, but I lived on. 
After going through a life of hardships which 
killed all the others, I was at last rescued by a 
party of English explorers, who conveyed me to 
Capetown. Here my former neighbor furnished 
me with sufficient money to reach England, and 
here I am, determined to travel no more.” 

As the evening rolled away the whole party 
drew up to the hearth, for the nights were now 
getting chilly. The table was pulled up to their 
seats, and the contents of Durham’s pockets — 
which had been handed to Squire Small by the 
authorities — were placed upon it. Harry at once 
claimed his father’s watch and some other per- 
sonal property, while Laura did the same by tak- 
ing a vast amount of diamond rings, bracelets, 
and other jewelry that belonged to her, and which 
Durham had wisely thought he could make good 
use of. 

“Well, I declare,” said Squire Small to Aleck — 
laughing, “these two are going to confiscate the 


ij® 


ALECK HORMBY. 


whole lot, and there will be nothing left for me and 
you.” 

“Oh, yes there will,” replied Laura, smiling; 
“you will get all the money; I think it is Aleck 
who ought to complain.” 

While Harry and Laura were still at the table, 
Harry examining his father's papers, and Laura 
looking over her jewelry to see that none of the 
stones were missing, Squire Small and Aleck sat 
down again by the fire, directly opposite each 
other, Aleck being under the strong glare of the 
gaslight. 

Suddenly Squire Small exclaimed: “Where did 
you get that locket, Aleck? Let me see it for a 
moment, please.” Aleck at once handed him the 
locket, which he had worn all his life. 

Then to relieve the suspense of Laura and her 
uncle Aleck quickly began to relate the particulars 
of the shipwreck, how he had been found in the 
arms of a dead lady and rescued by Ned Hormby, 
the locket being attached to his neck, secured by 
a long lady's watch chain. 

“Where is the chain?” asked Mr. Small. 

“My foster mother,” said Aleck, “Annie Horm- 
by, has that carefully laid away somewhere.” 

“This locket,” said Mr. Small, “unless I am very 
much mistaken, I presented to my wife as a birth- 


ALECK HORMBY. 1 79 

day gift just before we were married at Cape 
Town/’ 

“Did you ever open it,” said he, addressing 
Aleck. 

“Yes, many a time,” replied Aleck. 

“I mean the interior case,” said Mr. Small. 

“I am not aware of an interior case; all that I 
ever saw inside is the plain gold panel.” 

“These initials are those of my wife’s maiden 
name, Alice McLaren,” remarked Mr. Small, “and 
I am sure it is the locket I gave her; but we will 
look for further proof.” Bending the back hinge 
almost around, he pressed a secret spring and dis- 
closed a miniature portrait of himself, with a 
beautiful young lady — that of his long lost wife. 

“My God!” he cried in wild accents, “this ac- 
counts for her silence; her lips and hands were 
closed by the angry waves of the Atlantic.” 

Turning to Aleck after his grief had abated, he 
said, “You are, without doubt, my boy, and my 
chief hope for consolation during my declining 
days.” 

He then embraced his new found son, shook 
hands with his nephew, kissed Laura, and then 
retired for the night. Aleck accompanied him to 
his chamber, where the two conversed for a time, 
Aleck trying to cheer his father by the prospect of 


i8o 


ALECK HORMBY. 


the happy days they could spend together in the 
future. He then returned below, joining Harry 
and Laura, the latter remarking as he entered the 
room, “Oh, how glad I am; we are all cousins 
now, it seems.” 

The three newly found cousins sat around the 
fire conversing until late in the night. The serv- 
ants had long ago retired, and the clock struck 
twelve as they finally separated. 

Throughout the following morning the party 
sat together discussing their plans for the future. 

Aleck and Harry wished to visit London and 
several other places, Mr. Small and Laura at last 
deciding to accompany them on their tour. As 
they visited the places in London which they had 
arranged for on their programme, Mr. Small 
discovered that he could not keep up the pace set 
by the younger ones. Frequently, when evening 
came, after being around all day, he returned to 
their hotel completely tired out by his exertions. 
But, after taking a short rest with an early dinner, 
the cousins, especially Harry and Laura, wished 
to go out again when the city was brilliantly illu- 
minated to visit some place of amusement. Mr. 
Small did not feel equal to this, preferring to stay 
in his room to rest. Very often on these occa- 
sions Aleck would stay with his father to keep him 


ALECK HORMBY. 


181 

company. This left Harry and Laura often alone 
together. 

One night after they had been to the opera, re- 
turning late, long after Mr. Small and Aleck had 
retired, Harry, who had been in love with his 
cousin Laura for some time, determined to learn 
his fate. He had never been in love before, but, 
as he sat by Laura's side behind the curtains in 
one of the long windows of the sitting room, he 
fervently asked Laura to become his bride. Lau- 
ra's reply made Harry very, very happy. He took 
her in his arms, fondly kissing her several times, 
saying as he did so, “My darling girl, my darling 
girl!" 

Soon after this they retired to dreams of future 
bliss. 

Before Laura entered the breakfast room the 
following morning, Harry informed his uncle and 
Aleck of the engagement. They were both some- 
what surprised, but well pleased on receiving the 
news. 

Shortly after Laura appeared, her uncle and 
Aleck tendering her their congratulations as she 
sat down at the table to preside at their morning 
meal. 

A few days afterwards they returned to Blackley 
Hall, where the inhabitants of that quiet village 


l8 2 


ALECK H0RMBY. 


were somewhat surprised by the mighty prepara- 
tions that went on previous to Harry and Laura 
meeting in the little church where the two were 
io be made one. 

Great was the excitement in Blackley Village, 
one lovely morning, a short time afterwards, when 
the gaily bedecked carriages appeared to convey 
the party to the ceremony which only death could 
dissolve. 

“You will be very good, very tender to her, 
Harry ?” said Mr. Small, after they had signed the 
register in the vestry. The wedding party re- 
turned to Blackley Hall, where open house was 
kept that day, the friends, tenants and natives of 
the village having all the health-drinking, fun and 
dancing they could wish for. As the clock in the 
turret struck midnight the guests departed, all 
happy and content, and wishing Harry and Laura 
“many happy years and much happiness” as they 
went away. 

The newly married pair, amid a perfect shower 
of rice, the following day took the train for Man- 
chester, where they spent the honeymoon. 

During the time they were away, Mr. Small and 
Aleck made arrangements for the whole party 
proceeding to the United States, where Harry and 
Laura had decided to make their future home. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


183 

Mr. Small also wished to visit Darnley, to con- 
firm the story told by Aleck and Harry concerning 
the shipwreck. He wished to question eye-wit- 
nesses of the scene, and ascertain if the portrait 
of his wife and the lady who had perished with 
Aleck in her arms corresponded. Personally he 
had no doubts; but he deemed it best, in order 
that no scruple might arise from others to make 
himself sure. 

When the party arrived in New York they vis- 
ited Mr. Bentley, who at once recognized the pict- 
ure as that of the lady who had been drawn lifeless 
from the angry waves. The minister of Darnley, 
his wife and sister, Ned and Annie Hormby, all 
also avowed that this portrait was that of the dead 
woman. 

Annie afterwards produced the chain, which 
was the same Mr. Small had presented to his be- 
trothed wife. 

Soon after the old wooden cross, which had 
stood so long over Mrs. Small’s grave, was taken 
up and a marble monument put in its place. 

The firm of Small & Robinson is still a prosper- 
ous one. Harry rewarded his father’s clerk, Rob- 
inson, for his fidelity by taking him into partner- 
ship. He is the one who devotes his time and 
energy to the interests of their clients still, for 


184 


ALECK HORMBY. 


Harry only visits the office occasionally, the most 
of his time being spent in Darnley in the com- 
pany of his wife and mother. 

Aleck and Nellie were soon afterwards united 
in Darnley church. 

The ceremony was a quiet one, the only guests 
being the Small family and the Hormbys. 

On a bright winter afternoon soon after, Aleck 
and Nellie for the last time visited the old church- 
yard, the fields and seashore, which were so dear 
to both, and then returned as the early stars began 
to shine to the village. The morning following, 
accompanied by Mr. Small, they took their final 
farewell of Darnley, departing for England, where 
the three were to make their future home at 
Blackley Hall. 


CHAPTER XVII. 


My story is now almost finished. It is seven 
years since Nellie and Aleck were married, and 
seven happy years they have proved to them both. 

As they sit by their fireside at Blackley Hall, one 
evening in spring, Nellie with a little girl — Laura 
by name — on her lap, and Aleck watching two 
boys, who are at the knee of their grandfather try- 
ing to persuade him to relate a story regarding 
some of the adventures he had with the negroes in 
Africa, a servant knocks at the door and says: 
“There is a stranger here who wishes to speak 
with you Mr. Aleck.” 

On being told to show him in, Aleck was greatly 
surprised to find him to be his old acquaintance, 
George Smith. 

Smith has now a prosperous business in Pitts- 
burg — that of an architect and surveyor. He has 
crossed the ocean once more, his object in doing so 
being chiefly to examine the cathedrals in England 
and on the continent of Europe, to enlighten his 
mind with their style of architecture. But, being 


1 86 


ALECK HORMBY. 


in England again, he wishes also once more to 
inspect the places where he spent the early years 
of his life as a vagabond. He received a cordial 
welcome at Blackley Hall, the older ones in the 
family, all being glad to see him . The two boys — 
well, to say the least of it — they were simply as- 
tounded at the marvelous tricks he performed, 
and would have liked him to stay with them per- 
manently. 

Grandfather’s stories were completely put in the 
shade during the time he spent there, and when 
he departed, after spending a week with them, 
the youngsters were continually asking “when will 
Mr. Smith come again, papa?” 

Ned Hormby is still engaged in his old work — 
conducting his business as a fisherman and curer. 
The Mermaid is seldom used now, only at such 
times as Ned and his wife wish to take a sail. She 
has been replaced by larger and swifter vessels 
propelled by steam power. Ned has quite a small 
fleet of these vessels now. 

He is at the present time the magistrate of Darn- 
ley, and is accused by his enemies of being too 
lenient with the offenders against the law who are 
brought before him. But Ned, remembering his 
own troubles, is satisfied with tempering justice 
with mercy. 


ALECK HORMBY. 


187 

Paying his cottage a last visit late at night, we 
see him pondering over a ledger at the table, well 
satisfied with the result of his profit and loss ac- 
count for the past year. At his elbow we notice a 
large black Newfoundland dog, who bears a 
strong resemblance to the long-forgotten Rover. 

Seated at the fireside are two ladies. In one of 
them we easily recognize his wife, Annie, still 
handsome, happy and content, but considerably 
stouter than she was in days of yore. 

The other lady as she retires says, “Can I do 
anything more for you to-night, Mr. Hormby?” 
“No, thank you, Mrs. Atkins/' replies Ned. 

Continuing our way through Darnley, we enter 
again the more elaborate residence of Harry 
Small. 

Here we find Harry and Laura, with a group of 
sweet children playing in front of the fire, while 
in one of the capacious armchairs at the fireside, 
with a walking stick close at hand, we notice a 
lady wearing glasses — our old friend Mrs. Small. 
She still complains greatly about the imaginary 
state of her health. 

Laura's wealth placed in Harry's hands gives 
him the power to do an immense amount of good. 
He never permits an opportunity for the exercise 
of that power to escape him ; the worthy poor in 


1 88 


ALECK HORMBY. 


the neighborhood have only to take their trou- 
bles to him and they are sure to be relieved by his 
bounty. 

He is esteemed by rich and poor alike, being 
honored and beloved by the whole community. 

Many years have passed since we last visited 
Blackley Hall. 

Henry Small now reposes in the village church- 
yard, while Aleck now reigns at Blackley as 
’Squire Small in his stead. 

The stables are once more filled with horses, the 
kennels with hounds, and in the hunting parties 
which meet at the various residences of the coun- 
try gentlemen round about, ’Squire Small is al- 
ways one of the foremost at the finish. 

He entered Parliament long ago, and for many 
years now has been a firm supporter of the Con- 
servative party. 

A lovely evening at Blackley Hall. 

It is the ist of August and the birthday of 
Aleck and Nellie’s eldest son, Richard. 

A supper and ball are given to celebrate the 
happy event at the hall. 

The sun has set, and a glorious full moon rises, 
illuminating the festival and making it more 
pleasant than daylight. 

The guests, composing their neighbors, the ten- 


ALECK HORMBY. 


189 


ants, villagers and school children, are scattered 
about the lawn, house and grounds, all enjoying 
themselves eating, drinking and dancing to the 
full extent of their wishes. 

’Squire Small and Nellie move in and out among 
their guests, but Aleck is constantly by the side of 
his wife. He is just as tender and careful of her 
now as he was long, long years ago at Darnley. 

So, in the midst of all this dancing, innocent fun 
and merry ringing of the village church bells we 
leave them, enjoying as much happiness as it is 
possible to partake of in this transitory world here 
below. 


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